(KPL) On Mar 1, the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), and the U.S. Embassy together with representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Winrock International jointly celebrated the handover of a greenhouse for hydroponics farming.

This hydroponics system was established at the Counseling and Protection Centre for Women-Children, Lao Women’s Union, with joint support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)-funded "Linkages for Expanded Agricultural Networks” (CLEAN) Project and the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID)-funded "USAID Laos Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP)” Project implemented by Winrock International.

This system will enable the shelter to grow vegetables all year round and supply its own food, generate income from the sales of agricultural products, and use it as a means for livelihood learning and as a therapeutic activity for the temporary shelter residents, contributing to the sustainability of the shelter.

Vice President of the Lao Women’s Union Chansoda Phonethip said: Trafficking in Persons aligns with the victim-centered approach as a fundamental principle. Therefore, providing protection and assistance services to victims of trafficking is a critical issue.

In fulfilling its mandate as the core agency for protecting the right and interests of women and children nationwide. The Lao Women's Union has been entrusted with the responsibility for their protection and assistance in accordance with Article 64 of the Law on Anti-Trafficking in Persons and other relevant laws.

As those reasons, to ensure the efficacy of the movement in protecting and assisting victims of trafficking specifically the provision of vocational and educational training that empower them to avoid re-victimization. The CPCWC, LWU jointly work with Winrock International, USAID Laos CTIP project and CLEAN project to construct the hydroponic greenhouse measuring 6 x 2.8 x 18 metres, inclusive of all labour, equipment, and tools.

The construction of this hydroponic greenhouse has been built since December 1, 2023 to the present, adhering to standard and specified timeframe. In consequence, this handover-ceremony served as the formal commencement of operations of the hydroponic greenhouse. On behalf of the Lao Womens' Union's Presidential Committee. I hereby express the formal acceptance of this greenhouse and commit to optimize this greenhouse to the delivery of protection and assistance services to victims of trafficking.

US Ambassador to Laos Heather Variava remarked "Today's ceremony is an excellent example of collaboration between USAID, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Lao Women's Union.  I am excited to learn that this project will provide nutritious food and livelihoods training to at-risk women and youth.  When we work together, we can have strong outcomes for the people of the Lao PDR."

“Through the hydroponic greenhouse, the Counseling and Protection Centre for Women-Children Shelter will be able to enhance the food supply to the shelter’s residents, especially the victims of trafficking during their transitional period in the shelter, as well as to empower the LWU’s shelter to generate more income by selling fresh vegetables to the local organic market,” said the U.S Ambassador.

KPL