Attendance 9 including guest speaker – Steeve Rutledge
Program –Laos Water Projects - an update on the Laos Project
Barry Smith - introduced Steve Rutledge from the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
and founder of Adopt a Village in Laos to update us on the water projects program we have been supporting for many years.
Laos is the only country in Southeast Asia that is completely landlocked, surrounded by the countries of Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. With no access to a port, imported products are usually too expensive to purchase. As a result, most villages live off subsistent farming (mostly rice) and from natural foods found in the forest, albeit, not very nutritious.
Laos has the dubious distinction of being the most heavily bombed country in the world, a result of the ‘Secret War’. 1/3 of the population was killed. With an average frequency of 1 planeload every 8 minutes for 9 years, up to 30% did not detonate, leaving an estimated 9 million ordinances in their soils. Economic recovery has been slow. The average life span in recent years has improved to 68 years although the average age remains around 24. Infant mortality has improved from 8.1%, 10 years ago to just 3.3% which is significant.
The lack of hygiene is perhaps the most serious issue facing the rural villagers, caused simply by a lack of proper education and access to clean water. We continue to see widespread sickness caused by contaminated water. The average income has improved to $2,150/year. The problem is that diarrhea is everywhere, causing short-term and long-term sickness along with other crippling diseases to the point that almost all income earned is spent on healthcare, limited as it is.
With the caring help of our generous sponsors, We are making a difference. By March 2024, Adopt A Village in Laos had distributed over 8000 water filters, providing clean water to over 40,000 rural villagers! (with an average family size of 5) across scores of villages, hospitals, clinics, schools, and private homes in other villages.
Please follow the link to view Steve's’ video presentation
Program –Laos Water Projects - an update on the Laos Project
Announcements –
Sergeant At Arms Fran Allison -
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