New horizons in Vietnam
CWS is helping to provide clean water and sanitation systems for schools in remote areas of Vietnam. Students learn the importance of washing hands.
Photo: CWS
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CWS Vietnam has reached out to the far northwest of Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, for its continuing program of engaging Vietnamese minorities to own the process of development in their own communities.
Lai Chau is the poorest province in Vietnam, and its population is 90% ethnic minority, representing 46 different ethnic groups. More than 73% of the population lives below the national poverty line, largely due to unemployment; agricultural and forestry dependency; lack of access to basic education, healthcare, water, and sanitation; and limited infrastructure and inadequate facilities.
CWS is partnering with the Muong Te District of Lai Chau Province to help improve the quality of life of the 45,500 people living in the district by increasing the access to, and raising the standard of, primary/secondary education; expanding health services; and providing clean drinking water. To achieve this goal, the project plans to increase student enrollment and graduation rates; upgrade health infrastructures, including water and sanitation facilities; decrease the incidence of water-related diseases, and improve partner capacity in project implementation and management. The Muong Te District Peoples Committee is the CWS partner for implementing the project.