USAID Supports Local Non-Profit Associations to Enhance Community-Based Inclusive Development in Laos through Okard Project.
Recap of CBID activities implemented in Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet and Sekong.
Photo credit: World Education Laos
Vientiane Capital, 8 August, 2024 – The Okard project, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), proudly announces the official signing of sub-grant agreements between World Education (WE) and two local non-profit association (NPAs): the Quality of Life Association (QLA), and the Association for Rural Mobilization and Improvement (ARMI) in July 2024. Together, they will co-implement Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) activities, collaborating with local authorities across northern and southern Laos.
Under these subgrants, USAID provides $ 2 million of combined funding to both organizations, part of a $15 million agreement for Phase II of the Okard project (2024-2027) between USAID and World Education. The grants will see QLA and ARMI, together with local officials, offer assistance to over 2,000 vulnerable individuals, including unexploded ordnance (UXO) survivors and persons with disabilities, across 212 villages in five target districts in three provinces. Notably, QLA will lead the CBID model in
Kham and Khoun Districts of Xieng Khouang Province, while ARMI will oversee the implementation in Sepon and Nong Districts in Savannakhet Province, and Dakchueng District in Sekong Province.
The CBID model is evidence-based and takes a practical, comprehensive approach to promoting social inclusion, resilience, empowerment, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. It involves assessing and analyzing the unmet needs of persons with disabilities, prioritizing interventions to meet those needs, improving their function, increasing income and well-being, and removing barriers that hinder participation and inclusion in society on an equal basis with others through case management. Simultaneously, the model encourages different community stakeholders to work together to identify priorities, solutions and create opportunities for inclusion, thereby mobilizing people and resources through positive changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices, leading to a sustainable, and inclusive community.
The signing of these subgrant agreements marks a significant milestone for the Okard project, supported by USAID and local NPAs, in collaboration with the Government of Laos, to enhance the independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities through equal access to health, economic opportunities, and social engagement, ensuring that no one is left behind.