History

MCC has worked in Lao PDR since 1975, serving as one of the first International-Non-Government Organizations (INGOs) in the country.  From the earliest days of MCC’s presence in Laos, addressing the problem of unexploded ordinance (UXO) left from the more than 2 million tonnes of bombs and anti-personnel “bomblets” dropped by the US during the nine year “Secret War” (1964-1973), was of primary concern.  An estimated 30 percent of ordinances did not explode upon impact.

Cluster Bombs are Destroyed

‘Bombie’ Discovered Under the Floor of a School

UXO Clearance Expert Digs Cautiously

‘Bombie Destroying’ Tractor in Action

After the war many unsafe and inefficient approaches were used to attempt to help clear the remaining UXO. It was not until 1994 that MCC Laos, in partnership with Mines Advisory Group (MAG), launched its biggest non-food project ever, removing hundreds of thousands of deadly unexploded “bombies” from Xieng Khouang Province.

Over the next several years, the bomb removal project expanded throughout the country; however, MCC ended its participation in ordinance clearance work in 1997, as the government of Laos, the United Nations agencies and other governments provided significant input.  As a peace-oriented organization, MCC continues to raise awareness in North America about unexploded ordinance in Lao PDR.

UXO Disposal Team Come to Train Local Team

Children Learn about Ordinances and What to do if They Find Them

Using Games to Educate Children about Dangerous Cluster Bombs

Shovels are Safer to Use in Bomb Infested Areas

In the beginning, MCC also assisted government institutions in carrying out their mandates in health, social welfare, agriculture and education including: providing material aid, upgrading provincial teacher training schools, and assisting district and provincial health facilities and provincial agriculture schools throughout the country.

Students from Teachers Training School Prepare to Practice at Local School

Presenting 4 Tons of Vegetable Seeds to Government Officials

Helping Repopulate Buffalo Killed by Bombing

Pak Luang Villagers Gather to Receive Donated Rice

In the 1990’s MCC became increasingly concerned with long-term development, planning and sustainability instead of relief initiatives.  From 1993 to 2000, MCC implemented integrated rural development projects in Mai District, Phongsaly Province and Vieng Sai District, Hua Phan Province.

Government Officials and Locals with Gravity-Fed Clean Water System

Building Jars to Collect Rainwater in Mai District

MCC Staff Visiting the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang

Workshop to Improve Lao Women’s Weaving Skills in Vieng Xai

Showing Villagers Natural Techniques for Dyeing

Villagers in Traditional Clothing in Mai District

Celebration at Teacher’s Training School in Houa Phan province.

Supporting Agriculture

From 2001-2010, working in Sang Thong District, Vientiane Prefecture was a priority for MCC Laos. This was one of the poorest districts in Laos and internally displaced people with very few resources were moving to the area. The final phase of this community development project integrated agriculture, education and health (including an HIV/AIDS component) activities.

Infant Vaccinations

Prenatal Check

Blood Pressure Check

Sangthong Team

Children with New Global Family Donated Bags and School Uniforms

Mobile Heath Team Checking Patient

Students Performing

Children in Sangthong District

From 2002-2009, a project at the Paksan Forestry and Agriculture College in Bolikhamxay Province focused on research on upland cropping systems and improvements to the curriculum, as well as English teaching. By doing research on upland cropping systems MCC aimed to help the poorest people in Laos, people living in remote upland villages, to find ways to practice sustainable agriculture techniques as land becomes more and more difficult to find.

Bolikhamxay

Visiting Bolikhamxay Forestry and Agriculture College

Farmers Practicing Skills Learned in Training

Bolikhamxay Forestry and Agriculture College

Currently MCC Laos works in several different areas. Please visit the About page for more information.

If you are interested in information concerning MCC Laos historical pictures, please contact MCC Laos.