Australia provided nearly AU$100.000 in construction of LDWDC showroom

Introduction: Australia provided nearly AU$100,000 (about 714 million kip) worth of funding in supports construction of the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre visitor showroom. According to Australian Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, Australia was very proud to support the Centre’s work in providing vocational and life skills training and subsequent employment to women with disabilities.

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Story: The new visitor showroom at the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre in Vientiane was officially opened recently. Through the Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Programme (DAP), Australia provided nearly AU$100,000 (about 714 million kip) worth of funding in support of the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre over the past five years.

The opening ceremony was attended by Australian Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop. According to her, Australia was very proud to support the Centre’s work in providing vocational and life skills training and subsequent employment to women with disabilities.

She said, “We hope that this visitor centre showroom will provide the opportunity to showcase products and generate a reliable source of income to sustain the Centre’s good work,”
Through the Australian Embassy’s DAP, the Centre has been able to build a new kitchen in 2006, storage facilities in 2009 and sanitation facilities in 2011. Australia, through its volunteer programme, is also proud to have placed volunteers in support roles at the Centre for many years.

Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre was established in 1990. It has been working to assist women living with disabilities to become self-sufficient, independent and equal members of the community.

It provides support and advocacy for disabled women in Laos, including vocational training and employment opportunities in computer literacy, sewing, weaving and handmade paper products.

The Australian Embassy is currently accepting applications for their Direct Aid Programme – a small scale grants programme which targets humanitarian and community development needs.

Source: Lao National Television News in English
Broadcast on September 22, 2014