Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise Laos (COPE)
Paraphrased Mission: COPE was started in 1996 with the mission to help Laotian unexploded ordinances (UXO) survivors with mobility disabilities by providing them with free prosthetics and orthotic services. COPE has successfully allowed thousands of individuals to gain back their mobility with their partners Laos Ministry of Health, Centre for Medical Rehabilitation, and Provincial Rehabilitation Centers.
The OCTW Connection: I was able to travel to Laos last year, and volunteer for COPE. I helped and met many of the individuals that were being supported by COPE. First handed, I saw how COPE impacted and changed the lives of many UXO survivors in Laos. This is not an issue that many people are aware of, so I want to help raise awareness for the cause.
Facts and figures about the issue: The remaining UXOs leftover from the Vietnam War continue to affect Laos. UXOs were bombs that failed to explode when they were dropped yet remain alive and pose a threat to anyone who comes across them. have the chance of exploding. Since 1964, more than 50,000 Laotians have been injured from UXOs and upwards of 40% are children. Children are greatly exposed to and affected by UXOs as many mistakenly play with them, not realizing their danger.
Regional Context: Lao PDR is a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia, and ranges 650 miles from northwest to southeast. The capital of Laos is Vientiane. Overall, Laos has a diverse landscape of mountainous terrain but resourceful valleys for agriculture. Laos’ population are primarily farmers and predominantly cultivate rice. It’s a beautiful country that deserves to have a safe environment for children to play and grow up.
Educational Resources:
You can learn more about the history of UXOs in Laos here:
Lao PDR: information about UXOs
Legacies of War: leftover unexploded ordnances
National Geographic: Laos Recovery from UXOs
Halo Trust (another organization that helps with UXOs)
How to get involved: Anyone can help this cause by raising awareness about this issue in Laos. COPE allows for anyone to donate to their organization and organize a fundraiser.
In The News: