UGANDA

Uganda, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is at the heart of our mission to foster self-sustainability within the local community of Ndegeya. We want to empower the people in  this community, north of Masaka , through education, infrastructure development, and sustainable agricultural practices. Our focus lies in equipping Ndegeya with the tools and knowledge needed to cultivate their own resources, enhance food security, and promote economic independence. 

We work closely together with the Joanne Foundation. This foundation was set up by the parents of Joanne Noordink, a young woman who in 2006 started travelling to Uganda several times to do volunteer work. She met many people there, all of whom she loved. She encouraged children to go to school and she paid the school fees for a number of children whose parents were unable to do so themselves. After Joanne's sudden death in 2008, her parents, Helma en Arent Noordink continued the work and have started over the last fifteen years  many new projects. I got to meet these two amazing people and went on their behalf to the Ndegeya people to hear and see how to further develop their community to become more self-sustainable. We are very blessed to have found a beautiful way  to work closely together on existing and new projects.

THAILAND

Thailand is a popular holiday destination and its economy is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, driven by robust sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The country is a global hub for rice production and export, and its vibrant tourism industry attracts millions of visitors annually. However, despite significant economic growth and development, poverty remains a persistent issue, particularly in rural areas. Economic disparities between urban and rural regions are stark, with many rural communities lacking access to essential services such as quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The founder of Laudara, Irene, met the executive of the Tai Wisdom Association (TWA), Khun Theerawong Dhanitveth in 2006.. She had been involved with an international bicycle project with Rotary Thailand and  was looking to get het own company involved in a new project. In collaboration with Rotary and TWA we worked for years to help and support children libraries in the Isan area in north eastern Thailand. Over the years de focus has shifted to primary schools and we are now working in to make a change to the country one school at the time.