Village development in the Lao PDR Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview In the Lao PDR an innovative scheme of 'rice banks' has been set up to assist people in poor villages break out of the poverty cycle. These rice banks are part of the Integrated Village Development Project. The aim of the Project is to improve the quality of life in poor rural communities and to strengthen village capacity to plan and manage local development activities. The first two phases resulted in marked improvements in family food security, incomes, availability of safe drinking water and substantial reductions in the time and energy expended by women. The third phase focuses on Bolikhamxai and Sayaboury Provinces which have some of the poorest villages. This phase focuses on food security, income generation and further development of management skills of government officials and women. Level Secondary Links with nationally developed statements and profiles. Studies of Society and Environment: Place and space: Features of places, People and places, Care of places Resources: Use of resources, People and work, Management and enterprise Process: Investigation, communication and participation Objectives Students will: Learn that cooperation at local, national and international levels is necessary to bring about positive, long term change Gain knowledge about the problems caused by poverty in Lao PDR villages and ways people are working to overcome them Develop empathy with and positive attitudes towards people in developing countries. Preparation Teachers need to do the following preparation prior to the activities: Provide copies of the secondary case study, Village Development in the Lao PDR for the students Obtain atlases and world maps which show the Laos PDR, or allow access to Internet sources Gather resources about the Lao PDR Resources The AusAID website has country information on Laos PDR and Australian Government funded projects being implemented in Laos PDR. http://www.ausaid.gov.au For up to date resource lists contact: Canberra Mailing PO Box 650 Fyshwick ACT 2609 Ph: 02 6269 1230 Fax: 02 6269 1229 Email: books@ausaid.gov.au Other information can be obtained from the following organisations: UNICEF Australia, PO Box N616, Grosvenor Place, Sydney, 2001 Community Aid Abroad, Oxfam in Australia, 156 George Street, Fitzroy Victoria, 3065 World Vision, GPO Box 9944 in your capital city * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. Top © Commonwealth of Australia