Sabaidee, or hello if you prefer! My name is Christopher Tate and I am currently finishing my Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. As part of my degree I was required to undertake a period of work experience in the form of an internship in the engineering sector. This requirement, along with previous experiences in humanitarian engineering through Engineers without Borders Australia, led me to apply for an NCP (New Colombo Plan) Scholarship to allow me to continue to work in this sector. This NCP grant was to be used to fund a 5-week long internship abroad working on the ground with Abundant Water in Vientiane, Laos.

On the International Day of Friendship, Abundant Water celebrated our friendships with many different communities in Laos. Over the past ten years, we have built these relationships by working with communities to get to know many individuals, their needs, and ways of life.

Our ability to build these relationships would not be possible without the support of donations and collaborations with different organisations. Abundant Water is proud to announce a new level of friendship with the Australian Embassy in Laos, demonstrated through awarding of a Direct Aid Program (DAP) grant. The DAP is a small grants scheme coordinated by the Australian Embassy in Laos for development activities which provide direct benefits to people and communities most in need.

The Wongkolats are a family of five (mum, dad and 3 children) who live in Hoi Village, located in north-central Laos. Hoi Village sits in Khoun District in the Xieng Khouang Province. 

The Wongkolats are one of the first 15 families in their village to receive free water filters from Abundant Water as part of the Caritas Luxembourg project. This partnership will see 1500 families in 100 villages across the Xieng Khouang Province receive water filters which will allow them safe access to clean drinking water.

Meet the Kudawaong family.

The Kudawaongs are from Nonglouang Village in Khoun District of Xieng Khouang Province, Laos.

Mr. Sengduan Kudawaong and Mrs. Sengdao Kudawaong are one of the first families to receive an Abundant Water filter system installed for free under our 100 village partnership with Caritas Luxembourg.

Abundant Water has hit the ground running in its 100 village partnership with Caritas, completing its first project in the Khoun district of Laos from 3-6 July.

Abundant Water team members Keith, Noukham & Khamkeo (pictured) went on a field visit to five different villages across the district. Families from Nongpheurn, Hoi, Nongnam, Nonglouang and Nalam Villages each received 15 free filters with a total of 75 free filters installed. As will be the case throughout the partnership the filters were installed in the poorest households in each village.

As Canberra-based NGO Abundant Water enjoys its tenth year of operations, it has clinched its most significant partnership to date in Laos. Over two years, the partnership will deliver safe and sustainable water to 100 villages across Xiangkhouang Province in the districts of Khoun, Phokout and Mok. Abundant Water estimates this partnership will provide over 3,500 water filters for thousands of families and children across the Province.