At the end of August 2025, a heartfelt and proud atmosphere filled the event marking the handover of Dong Luang Project in Mukdahan Province.
From challenge to success: looking back to 2001, the Dong Luang community faced severe educational issues, with only 8.35% of children receiving further education. A turning point came when World Vision Foundation of Thailand studied the impact of the construction of the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge between 2002 and 2003.
After reviewing data from all seven districts of Mukdahan Province, World Vision Foundation of Thailand made the strategic decision to select Dong Luang District as the pilot area and launched the Area Development Project in 2004, covering four sub-districts, 43 villages: Dong Luang, Nong Khaen, Phang Daeng, and Kok Tum.
The key to success is the participatory approach. As Khanpetch Huakham, the Programme Manager, explained: “The generosity of sponsors was the starting point that enabled the project to connect various partners, including government and private sectors, teachers, community leaders, and civil society networks, to jointly support the development of children, families, and communities.”
This integrated approach led to tangible changes across multiple dimensions. Mr Montri Ladnalao, Deputy Director of the Mukdahan Primary Educational Service Area Office, highlighted the achievements: “Children gained access to education, youths developed life skills and vocational skills, parents became stronger in terms of livelihood and income, enabling them to provide for their children appropriately. Livelihood groups also emerged to provide ongoing support.”
After 21 years of continuous implementation, the results have been transformative. Khanphetch proudly shared: “The proportion of children in Dong Luang pursuing further education has risen to 85%, compared to just 8.35% previously.” The positive impact has extended beyond the sponsored children, reaching over 25,000 individuals, including other children, families and the wider community. Not only have local children benefited, but teachers and school administrators in Dong Luang have also become trainers, sharing literacy and educational practices with teacher networks nationwide—reflecting sustainable progress in education quality.
At the handover event filled with heartfelt moments, Mr Alonzo Lee, Ministry Quality & Impact Division Manager, expressed his appreciation: “I commend the dedication and sacrifice, and the collaboration across all sectors. This is a shared success, and today’s event is a farewell filled with love.”
The atmosphere was warm and loving as formerly supported children expressed their gratitude. They were not just representatives but living proof of the project’s success. The presentation of certificates to partner organisations, student performances, and exhibitions by schools and livelihood groups all affirmed that Dong Luang has grown into a resilient community, ready to move forward independently.
“The streams of generosity of sponsors and donors have sustained project operations over the past 21 years,” Khanphetch concluded with heartfelt thanks, reflecting the success born from cross-sector collaboration that has enabled the Dong Luang community to truly become self-reliant.
The work in Dong Luang is a testament that when all sectors are united and when commitment meets compassion, truly sustainable change is possible. Today, Dong Luang is no longer just the name of a community but a symbol of hope and a model for self-reliant community development.
This farewell is not an ending, but a new beginning. The Dong Luang community will continue its journey with the strength and empowerment they have built for themselves.
