A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will expand efforts to bolster the self-reliance of people with disabilities through the USAID Okard programme, which is funded by the US Government and implemented by World Education.

The MOU was signed yesterday in Vientiane by the Country Director of World Education Laos, Ms Sarah Bruinooge, and Director General of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Disability and the Elderly, and Head of the Secretariat of the National Committee for Disabled People under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Khamping Sengtannalat.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by US Ambassador to Laos, Ms Rena Bitter and Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mrs Baykham Khattiya.

USAID works in partnership with the Lao government, World Education, Humanity & Inclusion and civil society organisations to develop and implement disability inclusive policies so that no person is left behind.

The USAID Okard project aims to improve access to quality health and rehabilitation services, increase job opportunities for persons with disabilities, and strengthen health and economic empowerment through stakeholder engagement. 

Ambassador Bitter said “This new agreement marks an important milestone in our countries’ partnership to enhance the independence and functional ability of persons with disabilities through equal access to health and social services in Laos.”

She added that the United States is committed to supporting the government of Laos to help persons with disabilities live full and productive lives. 

Ms Bruinooge said “I am so very pleased to be here today as World Education’s representative for the USAID Okard project.” 

“We have worked closely with many of you over the past year to clarify understanding of the USAID Okard project and collaborate on designing our disability inclusion activities. I am confident that we have a strong foundation for partnership over the next years of the project,” she added. 

She explained that the goal of the USAID Okard activity is to improve and sustain the independent living and functional ability of persons with disabilities, regardless of factors such as age, sex, gender expression, ethnicity and their households in Laos.

USAID Okard builds on previous achievements through USAID’s Training, Economic Empowerment, Assistive Technologies and Medical Rehabilitation (TEAM) project, which has provided assistance to nearly 6,000 persons with disabilities or impairment. The TEAM project also trained more than 500 health professionals and local partners.

In addition to the USAID Okard project, the United States works in partnership with the government and citizens of Laos in many areas to improve education, promote health and nutrition, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the rule of law.

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