Mekong Plus France is a non-profit organization based in France which originated as an aid program for impoverished Vietnamese farmers in 1994. As the project grew, the focus expanded to Cambodia as well as programs providing support for women’s professional development. Today, Mekong Plus is a major aid organization providing a diverse array of resources and support.
Mekong Plus works with local teams and international support to eliminate poverty in villages in Vietnam and Cambodia. They provide economic support through microcredits and access to education, helping residents to protect the environment for sustainable development. Mekong Plus envisions a future where men, women, and children living in villages in Vietnam and Cambodia can access the necessary resources to build healthy, resilient, and dynamic communities.
Microcredit: The microcredit programs target women from households earning $1 or less per person per day. They offer small loans starting around $100, up to $400, with a repayment period of 6 months, aiming to break the cycle of financial insecurity. These loans always come with personalized and strongly supported technical assistance. The loans achieve a 99% repayment rate, with beneficiaries’ incomes increasing by 15-25% annually.
Education: Education costs are prohibitive, particularly for girls who struggle to access quality education needed for a secure future. Mekong Plus calls on villagers to contribute to a solidarity fund for scholarships. These funds facilitate access to education and provide teacher training in health, hygiene, environmental awareness, and gender equality. In addition to these initiatives, Mekong Plus offers training in sustainable agricultural practices, educates women on their rights and safety, and promotes environmental conservation, including recycling plastic waste. They also support the development of small-scale village infrastructure such as bridges and roads. A key principle guiding their work is strong community involvement. Mekong Plus supports three local NGOs leading these efforts in collaboration with them.
To date, approximately 35,000 villagers have benefited from microcredit programs. Over 40,000 individuals have already been lifted out of poverty. Each year, around 3,500 scholarships are awarded, ensuring no recipient discontinues their education. Efforts to protect the environment involve planting trees, installing biogas systems, and recycling plastic waste. Over time, these initiatives have led to a two-thirds reduction in poverty rates. Local partner NGOs have been bolstered and are now more self-sufficient.
Mekong Plus reaches now over 200,000 people each year through its impactful programs. By leveraging active community participation and the expertise of local teams, the organization maximizes its effectiveness while minimizing resource consumption. Committed to sustainability, Mekong Plus ensures autonomy by gradually phasing out support for mature projects and continuously launching new initiatives which focus on inclusive education and women’s rights.
By focusing on education and training, Mekong Plus France addresses critical issues and empowers individuals to build better futures for themselves and their communities. US donors can make a significant difference by supporting the following projects:
By supporting these initiatives, donors will contribute to the long-term development and well-being of underserved communities in Vietnam and Cambodia. Through educational empowerment and awareness programs, Mekong Plus France is creating lasting change and building a foundation for a brighter future.
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