World Education is pleased to announce the official launch of the USAID Okard project.
“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,” said U.S. Ambassador Rena Bitter.
On May 16, the Country Director of World Education Laos, Ms Sarah Bruinooge and the Director
General of the Department of Policy to Devotees Disability and the Elderly and Head of the
Secretariat of the National Committee for Disabled People and the Elderly of the Ministry of
Labor and Social Welfare, Mr. Khamping Sengtannalat signed the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for the USAID Okard Activity funded by The United States Agency for
International Development (USAID), U.S. Ambassador Rena Bitter witnessed the MoU signing.
USAID Okard builds on previous achievements through USAID’s Training, Economic
Empowerment, Assistive Technologies and Medical Rehabilitation (TEAM) project, which
provided assistance to nearly 6,000 persons with disabilities or impairment. The TEAM project
also trained more than 500 health professionals and local partners.
“The United States is committed to supporting the Government of Laos to help persons with
disabilities live full and productive lives.”
Read more in the press release and Okard project webpage.