Singapore Embassy in Laos donated over US$3,000 and 1,000 books to SOS Children’s Villages of Laos to support child welfare, literacy, education, and vocational training.

Category: Education | Child Welfare | Vocational Training | International Cooperation
Date: 24 August 2015
Location: Vientiane Capital, Laos

Singapore Supports Child Welfare and Education in Laos Through Donation to SOS Children’s Villages

The Republic of Singapore Embassy in Laos has extended support to vulnerable children and young people by donating over US$3,000 and 1,000 books to SOS Children’s Villages of Laos. The contribution aims to strengthen child welfare, literacy, education, and human resource development initiatives in the Lao PDR.

The handover ceremony was held in Vientiane Capital on 24 August 2015. The donation was formally presented by Mr. Dominic Goh, Singapore Ambassador to Laos, to Mr. Soumata Dengchampa, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages of Laos.

According to Ambassador Dominic Goh, the funds were raised during the Singapore Embassy’s 50th National Day reception. The books were donated by Room to Read, a non-profit organisation working to improve literacy and promote gender equality in education in Laos.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ambassador Goh highlighted Singapore’s continued commitment to supporting development cooperation in Laos, particularly in the area of human resource development. He said that the Singapore government has been providing assistance to several sectors in the Lao PDR every year, with a special focus on strengthening people-centric development.

“I believe that children are the future of the country. The assistance will help children from poor families and those who have no family, home, or parents,” Ambassador Goh said.

Support for Education, Literacy and Vulnerable Children

The donation is expected to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans, children from poor families, and those without adequate family or home support. The contribution of books will further help promote reading, literacy, and learning among children and young people.

SOS Children’s Villages of Laos plays an important role in providing care, education, vocational training, counselling, food, dormitory facilities, and welfare support to children and families across the country.

Mr. Soumata Dengchampa expressed appreciation to Ambassador Dominic Goh and the Singapore Embassy for mobilising support for children in Laos. He said SOS Children’s Villages provides day-care, primary and secondary education, vocational training, and counselling services to children, young people, and families in six provinces: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Huaphan, Xieng Khuang, Savannakhet, and Champassak.

He added that the charity provides food and dormitory facilities for orphans and children from poor families, along with different types of education and welfare support according to community needs.

SOS Children’s Villages Expands Education and Welfare Services

SOS Children’s Villages of Laos currently operates a broad network of child welfare and education facilities. These include six SOS Children’s Villages, five Youth Facilities, six SOS Kindergartens, five SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, one SOS Vocational Training Center, three SOS Social Centers, and one SOS Medical Center.

At the SOS Laos Headquarters in Vientiane Capital, around 1,200 children are currently studying at the school. The organisation continues to provide structured education, residential care, social protection, and skills-related support to children and youth who require long-term assistance.

Singapore’s Ongoing Community Support in Laos

The Singapore Embassy in Laos has previously supported several social and humanitarian organisations in the country. These include the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), the Lao Red Cross, the Lao Association for Autism, and the Vientiane Autism Centre.

The latest donation to SOS Children’s Villages reflects Singapore’s continued emphasis on social responsibility, education, and community development. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing child welfare, literacy gaps, and access to education for vulnerable communities.

Why This Initiative Matters

The initiative is significant because it connects humanitarian support with long-term education and skills development. By supporting SOS Children’s Villages, the Singapore Embassy is contributing not only to immediate child welfare needs but also to future-ready learning opportunities for children and youth in Laos.

For SkillCouncils.com, this development underlines the growing importance of international partnerships in education, literacy, vocational training, and human resource development. Such initiatives help build stronger communities and create pathways for disadvantaged children to access education, care, and future livelihood opportunities.

Key Highlights

Singapore Embassy in Laos, SOS Children’s Villages Laos, child welfare in Laos, education support Laos, vocational training Laos, Room to Read Laos, literacy programme Laos, international cooperation education, human resource development Laos, social impact initiative