Whitby Sunrise Rotarian Steve Rutledge is passionate about helping the people of Laos.  Known as the most heavily bombed country in the world and the highest number of unexploded ordinance per square mile, Steve has seen the need first hand.  Steve spends about four months each year investing his time to provide water and sanitation to the most remote area's in Laos.

 

 

The remote villages of Laos have never recovered from the 'Secret' war of the 1960's. While rich in culture and tradition, their education, healthcare and hygiene conditions are severely lacking. The average lifespan is only 56 years and average age is only 20.8, caused by poor quality water, poor hygiene and general poverty. BUT with your help we have already made a difference in the lives of over 4500 villagers just with clean water.

 

We have completed 6 school projects in the villages of Pha Yong, Had Chanh, Done Lom, Hat Kham, Nong Boakham (2 phases) and another school in Ban Na Lea is well underway. We have also distributed almost 900 water filters systems and completed hygiene training for all villages we do major projects in. Each family is required to take this course before a filter is provided, in order to promote a longer, healthier and happier life. Three new water sources, each including a dam, water tank and taps has been completed, two more sources were completed in 2013-2014, along with the tenth bank of hygienic toilets.

 

To read more about how Whitby Sunrise Rotarian Steve Rutledge is helping internationally, visit Adopt a Village in Laos