Laos: Reaching UXO Survivors in their Communities in Laos
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After a UXO follow-up session, Soutchay encourages two UXO accident survivors.
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"Treating people in hospitals is important—but it only deals with only one aspect of people's lives," says Soutchay, a 35-year old nurse in Vientiane, Laos. "When I used to help children in the intensive care unit, I only saw them in that situation and there was never any relationship after they returned home. Since I started working on the War Victims Assistance Project, I've realized for the first time the important link between medical treatment in hospitals and people's living conditions."
After a 1998 study showed that unexploded ordnance (UXO)-injured youth had significant psychosocial and mental health issues, World Education developed the community outreach program. Many injured children have trouble reintegrating into their communities and families, and often do not return to school. World Education, with funding from the McKnight Foundation and private donors, developed activities and training for staff to work with victims at the community level to combat these issues.
"I've had a chance to travel and live in many parts of the country. I have seen different ways people live and how they deal with their health and medical care. If doctors understand the beliefs and cultural background of a patient better, they will provide medical care that is more appropriate and has a chance to be continued when people return home," comments Soutchay.
Before a survivor leaves the hospital, the medical team discusses his or her follow-up plan. Within six months—depending on the type of injury and need—Soutchay visits the village and meets with the village chief to see what assistance the community can offer to survivors. She meets with the family to learn what sort of effect the injury has on the family income—does a family member have to stay home with the survivor, thus causing a loss of income? Then she spends time with survivors, talking with them about their needs and quality of life. The project's War Victim's Medical Fund can provide small grants to make housing accessible for the disabled, or to buy a water buffalo, for example, if income is effected negatively. Soutchay also provides vocational training for surviving adults who can no longer work in their old jobs.
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War Victims Assistance Project
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos has caused thousands of deaths and injuries, and continues to pose major threats to farmers and children living in the affected areas. Since 1995 World Education has been assisting UXO-affected communities through the War Victims Assistance Project. The project works on upgrading the medical, surgical, and emergency services of district and provincial health facilities so that injured individuals have a greater chance of survival and full rehabilitation. The project has also developed a UXO awareness curriculum for primary schools, and has trained teachers to use effective, child-centered teaching methods to help children learn important lessons about UXO injury prevention. Present funding comes from the US Agency for International Development, US Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement at the U.S. Department of State, private donors for support of medical treatment and follow-up of UXO patients, and from the McKnight Foundation. Former funders include the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and UNICEF.
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One of the most critical issues is the fact that children who survive UXO explosions are often traumatized by the experience. Yet there is little support for such trauma in Laos. World Education initiated small discussion groups for these children to come together and support each other. The groups decrease isolation and help the children feel like the differences that set them apart outside the group are no longer an issue.
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Soutchay was a nurse at Mahosot hospital in Vientiane before joining World Education and the War Victims Assistance Project.
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"The groups are a lot of fun. I learn a lot from the children as they learn from each other," Soutchay says. "One of the things that's been wonderful to observe is how the children blossom when we let them talk for themselves, rather than having the adults take on the role of the teacher. This is a huge confidence-builder for them."
During the discussion groups, children are not only encouraged to speak up, but to express themselves, and their concerns, through drawings. Often, the artwork becomes the way they communicate about the trauma they've felt. Nearly all of the children have returned to school since the discussion groups began.
"I am proud to be part of this work," Soutchay says. "I am able to help these children through education, motivation, and encouragement—allowing them to reintegrate fully into community, family and school life."
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