Laos case study

Peuan Mit (‘friends’ in the Lao language) is a program designed and implemented by Friends International, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, to address the needs of street children and youth in Laos. The Peuan Mit project started in May 2004 with the support of the Vientiane Municipality and is the only program of its kind in Lao PDR that responds to the needs of children living and working on the streets [1].Many of the children with whom Peuan Mit work face very challenging issues such as conflict with parents or the police, drug use, disability, trauma and sex work.In 2007, Peuan Mit carried out a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey. Although not a representative sample, it provided useful information about ‘at risk’ and street based children in Vientiane. More than a third (38.7%) of those interviewed reported a history of drug use, with most recent use ranging from over 10？years to 2？weeks. Drugs reportedly used included methamphetamine, opium, heroin, cannabis, solvents (glue), and alcohol. Of those who reported drug use, methamphetamine was most commonly used; all who reported methamphetamine use said that their most recent drug use was smoking methamphetamine [2].Every month Peuan Mit works with 800 children and youth in Vientiane to prevent homelessness amongst children and help young people reintegrate into Lao society. They support children and young people to return to school, find employment, return to their families, become citizens, to experience culture and to express themselves. A team of 50 Lao staff at Peuan Mit provides a range of services including a mobile school, remedial classes, hygiene facilities, recreational workshops (art, dance, drama, sport) emergency shelter, life-skills education, counselling sessions, vocational training and job placement and family reintegration [3].Peuan Mit has no formal MoU with the Ministry of Public Security or with operational police, and no regular meetings; however they