MCNV FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

In the remote mountain communities of Sepone and Phin in Laos, many families struggle to obtain enough healthy and nutritious food. Fresh vegetables are especially scarce during the dry season. Thanks to home gardens close to their houses and access to clean water, families are increasingly able to grow their own vegetables. However, sturdy metal fences are needed to protect these gardens from free-roaming animals. Clean Water and Food Security Access to clean drinking water remains an important part of our program. Fortunately, sufficient funding is available in 2026 to implement the planned wells and water supply systems. At the same time, another urgent challenge is becoming increasingly apparent: access to sufficient and nutritious food. Why Home Gardens Are So Important With support from MCNV, approximately 70% of the families in the 25 villages where we work now have a small home garden. This enables families to grow their own vegetables and provide better nutrition for their children. They not only have access to more food, but also to healthier food. A greater variety of vegetables and fruits provides children with essential vitamins and nutrients, contributing to better health and development. These are valuable achievements of which we are very proud. A Metal Fence Makes All the Difference Most home gardens are currently protected by wooden fences. Collecting suitable wood is hard work and requires a great deal of time. Women, in particular, often spend hours searching in the forest and frequently return with only part of the wood they need. A metal fence lasts much longer, provides better protection against roaming animals, and significantly reduces the workload for women. This leaves more time for caring for their families, maintaining their gardens, and other important daily activities. Your Contribution This time, we are asking for your support to provide metal fences for the home gardens of 320 families. These fences will help protect their crops from animals that can destroy young plants and reduce harvests. The cost of a fence for one garden is just over €40. A modest amount, but one that can make a tremendous difference. A successful harvest means better nutrition, improved health, and greater opportunities for children and their families in Laos. Will you help us create a healthier and more sustainable future for these families? Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Thank you very much for your generous support. With warm regards, Team Laos and Karin Vlug