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Greetings,

I've just returned from cycling through northern Laos to raise funds for Oxfam Australia as part of Oxfam Challenge. During 12 days of gruelling cycling, we rode through remote villages, met wonderful people, and visited Oxfam's Vientiane office where we learnt about Oxfam’s work in Laos.

Oxfam Australia’s programs benefit 70 communities in four provinces – Saravane, Champasak, Sekong and Vientiane – and cover a range of areas including education, sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction.

One project that interested me helps boys and girls from ethnic minorities and remote communities to complete their education. One of the main problems faced by these students is the lack of trained teachers to staff their schools. Oxfam is solving this problem by improving working conditions for teachers in remote areas. By ensuring teachers have privacy and secure accommodation, Oxfam has been able to attract and keep more teachers in remote schools, so students can attend classes locally.

I had a wonderful time doing the Oxfam Challenge as well as raising money for a worthy cause. I recommend it to anyone!

Tanya Losanno
Challenge participant