Supporting Survivors to Return Home

Supporting Survivors to Return Home

(KPL/UNDP) Soudchay Luangvisa is a trained nurse who works with a UXO survivor assistance programme that is jointly implemented through the National Rehabilitation Centre, the Government of the Lao PDR, the Ministry of Public Heath and the World Education.

As many injured children have trouble fitting back into their communities and families, and often do not return to school, the programme assists UXO and cluster munitions survivors to return home and reintegrate into their families and communities after their accident.

Within six months, depending on the type of injury and need, Soudchay visits the village and meets the village head to see what assistance the community can offer to the survivor. She meets the family to learn what effect the injury is having on the family income - does a family member have to stay at home with the survivor, 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, in order to reduce negative impacts on their livelihood.

Soudchay also provides vocational training for surviving adults who can no longer work in their old jobs. One of the most critical issues for young UXO survivors is the trauma they experience, yet there is little psycho-social support available in the Lao PDR for those who have experienced such trauma. Small discussion groups have been initiated to bring these children together and support each other. The groups decrease isolation and help the children feel that the differences that set them apart from others outside the group are not a major issue.

"The groups are a lot of fun. I learn a lot from the children as they learn from each other,� Ms Soudchay said. "This is a huge confidence-builder for them." Nearly all of the children have returned to school since the discussion groups began.