 LHD was set up as a network for Lao CSOs  It was jointly established with local non-official and voluntary members of CSOs in Aug 2010  LHD focusing on Non-Profit Associations (NPAs) who work in development for poverty alleviation  It is a non-political, non-profit making, and non- religious network.  LHD provides space and opportunities for NPAs to come together to learn new skills, share their knowledge and grow their organisations Learning House for Development 2 Learning House for Development (LHD) Learning House for Development (LHD)

Goal: To contribute to the creation of an enabling environment in which Lao Non-Profit Asociation (NPAs) and other civil society groups can sustainable development of Laos, poverty reduction and play an active role in socio-economic development.Objectives: To create opportunities for Lao civil society to enhance mutual coordination, solidarity and sharing information. Upgrade the members’ staff capacities in order to enable to implement efficient development projects in their target villages. Learning House for Development 3

 Its members are from diverse range of society and present different groups: women, youth, ethnic minorities, disabled people etc.  Currently LHD has 40 members including registered and non-registered NPAs  The majority members are base in Vientiane (31) and from other provinces (9)  11 members are based at the LHD compound where we share office facilities and services LHD Members Learning House for Development 4

MEMBER PRESENCE / PROVINCE 1 Vietnam Thailand Myanmar China Cambodia

 Capacity development for members and non-members in identified areas (trainings, workshops, study tours etc.)  Coordinate sharing of information in the form of publications, newsletters, workshops, meetings etc.  Library, incubator and meeting/training rooms services  Networking with other CS stakeholders (INGOs, DPs, GoL etc.)  Representation 6 Learning House for Development Current activities and services

 Lao civil society groups o Enhanced networking and learning, which will increase the impact of Lao civil society. o Foster emerging civil society initiatives (incubator function, registration etc.) o Collaboration with other capacity development providers o Fostering peer-to-peer capacity development  Government of Lao PDR o Contact point to disseminate information to Lao civil society groups, e.g. on legislation, o Link for communication with Lao civil society groups e.g. on processes of cooperation, on developing best practices, etc.  Donors and other development organisations o Access to disseminate information to Lao civil society groups, e.g. on funding opportunities, o Assist with identifying partners/relevant CSOs LHD Beneficiaries and benefits Learning House for Development 7

 Legal status o Risk of operating with out a licence due to lengthy & complicated registration process o Umbrella organisations are needed to support NPAs o Miss out on funding opportunities  Many NPAs have no secure funding from donors  Lack of experience in organisation & project development Learning House for Development 8 Challenges of LH Member s

 Commitment to their organisations’ aims  Received support funds from local and international donors to: o Upgrade of their staff capacities, and o Implement their projects in the remote areas and improvements to lives of marginalised people o Capacity building of district & provincial authority staff  Assist GoL in implementing of the poverty eradication programme Learning House for Development 9 Some benefits and Some benefits and achievements of members

Education Health Agriculture Community development Gender Secure livelihoods Conservation of environment Others Learning House for Development 10 Members’ working sectors

Steering Committee A board of 5 members ensures that the NPA Network achieves its overall mission and provides direction for its Secretariat. Secretariat The Secretariat provides day-to-day support to members to support and implement the Network’s mission Working groups No NPAs’ working groups yet, but NPAs are jointly with INGO Network’s working groups ( Education; Land issues; Health and nutrition; CSWG; Water and energy issues; Human resources and administration) COORDINATE HOW?

LHD works with NPAs and iNGOs (for example: GDA, NORMAI, PADETC, Helvetas, SDC, CORD, CUSO/VSO, Oxfam…)  Funding for joint projects  Training opportunities  Capacity development / Human resource development LHD and iNGO Network  Peer to peer exchange (exchange experience, directory, steering committee…)  Partners in the Civil Society Consortium Program (lead and present by CORD) iNGO Network website: NPAs and iNGOs

Water supply for community Example of NPA’s members projects Learning House for Development 13

Agriculture activities Learning House for Development 14

Improvement of school and teaching 15 Learning House for Development

Trainings and workshops Trainings and workshops Learning House for Development 16

 Closer co-operation with local and international organisations, development partners in relevant areas in the country and region for exchange of experiences  Consortium of NPAs and INGOs have developed a program to strengthen both the capacity of CSOs and their contribution to the development of Laos  Work with relevant department of MOHA in registration of NPAs to simplify approval procedures  Seeks for partners to implement and fund specific network’s projects Learning House for Development 17 The future plan

18 Learning House for Development Contact address: Learning House for Development Ban Naxay, Saphangmor Road, House: 24/377 Saysetha District, Vientiane, Laos Tel/fax: (+856) Website: