The health situation related to the pandemic remains delicate. New cases of Covid have been reported. The Province of Oudomxay is again under lockdown since last Sunday for a period of two weeks 🤞. We hope not to be impacted again and remain optimistic!
Fortunately, the commissioned Company arrived in Nahom just in time and the construction work is going on with good progress already!
Finally! After five weeks of delay due to the pandemic context in Laos to obtain the results of the first water analysis of the Nahom borehole, we have obtained the authorization from the concerned authorities which allows us to start the construction of our first water kiosk! The company Indara and our local team arrived on site this morning 
For all those who follow us from near or far and/or who support us, you know how difficult this last year has been and how our team has kept its optimism and motivation because we believe more than anything in the success of our project for which we are redoubling our efforts.
However, today it is important for us to share with you the current situation in Laos which remains worrying. The average number of new cases per day has increased by more than 220 in the last 3 weeks, to 43% of its previous peak of infections. COVID-19 cases are on the rise, with an average of 406 new infections reported each day. This represents 87% of peak infections. (source: https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/fr/countries-and-territories/laos/).
The Capital is in lockdown and these measures have undeniable consequences on the development of our actions. Indeed, on 8 September, our water samples were sent to the Vientiane laboratory in charge of our analyses for validation by the competent authorities. However, after 4 weeks, we still have no answers due to the absence of staff and limited travel within the city. Without these results we cannot start the construction work and have to be patient.
We are of course aware that this ongoing pandemic is not just about us and affects a considerable number of people, communities, organisations and businesses. The consequences of this crisis are beyond our control and we must at all costs keep hope, strength and optimism!
After the numerous administrative procedures successfully carried out by our local team in the particularly difficult pandemic context, we are pleased to share with you the first major step towards the construction of our first water kiosk in the Nahom area: the levelling of the ground.
The next step will be the drilling of the well, scheduled for the next few days. I will keep you informed 🙏
We are pleased to welcome a new member to our local team, Mr. Longmoua HOUAXAY.
With a strong background in IT, Longmoua works with our Project Manager, Ly Chongheuly, particularly on the various administrative tasks with local authorities. His professional experience will also be a great asset for our team in all matters related to IT and project monitoring. We also wish to express our thanks for his devoted involvement already at TdS since he offically started his duties on 19 July.
Denis Vautravers’ exhibition, which took place from June 12 to July 4, was a great success with the sale of 36 works. Our kind-hearted artist donated the entire sale to our Association, i.e. to the rural communities of the Nahom region (Oudomxay Province), soon to be the beneficiaries of our first and next water kiosk.
We are particularly grateful by his generous gesture and we convey to him our deepest gratitude.
He will exhibit again at the Chapel of Collex-Bossy, a place that we are particularly attached to and where our Association is also based. A symbolism even stronger.
I will keep you informed of the dates once they have been set.
We thank you for your support 🙏
The situation in Laos remains delicate and the population is even more vulnerable. Our team has been closely affected by the pandemic. The covid and the different measures taken have caused a delay of more than a year in the launch of our project. We are also subject to price inflation as a result of the economic impacts of this crisis. Fortunately, our team remains strong and optimistic.
Being unable to start the construction work, we have moved forward on other important steps.
Today, we are pleased to announce the opening of our office in Oudomxay. Donors and/or travellers passing through the region are welcome to meet our team and learn more about our ongoing project. I will come back soon to share with you the good news which will follow very soon when our first water kiosk will be launched in the current month of August.
Kob Chai Lai Lai 🙏
We are proud to count among our new partners the engaged brand of prêt-à-porter “Viengnaly”. Unique creations made in an artisanal and eco-responsible way for a respectful and sustainable fashion. Our common values have united us to support the deprived communities of Laos, to offer a better future to the children of these forgotten villages and to cover the essential needs of their inhabitants.
Dear Friend of Terre des Sourires,
After a particularly difficult year due to the pandemic, the whole Terre des Sourires team would like to wish you happiness, good health and prosperity in 2021.
Your loyal and devoted support for our mission has enabled us to attain our initial milestones, despite the challenging circumstances. You have inspired us to continue to pursue this cause in 2021 with rigour, passion and enthusiasm.
For this, we thank you wholeheartedly!
