Cultural Tradition in the Lao PDR and the Development of Early Childhood Care and Education

In the last three decades, after the communist regime gained power in 1975, the education system in Laos has been facing a number of problems. However, in 1987 the education system was redesigned and was given a high priority in the general schemata. This paper documents the processes and outcomes of four training sessins held in two provinces between July to November, 2007, under the aegis of the joint partnership between Aide et Action and the Ministry of Education of Laos. In general, positive outcomes were noted at the end of each of the training sessions whereby there was a change in the beliefs of the participants.



Abstract of a paper written in Comparative Education Bulletin by Purisima L. Gonzales, Aide et Action, South East Asia, Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

To get a copy, email: purs128@yahoo.com

The Power of Mobile Phones

Mobile phones have become tools of economic empowerment for the world's poor. It has transformed the lives of so many people deprived of infrastructure such as telecoms and roads. So many villages used to be unserved by telecoms. They were so isolated that the entrepreneurial spirit of the residents in these villages were close to nil. That is changing very rapidly now.

Meanchey University, Cambodia

Meanchey University is one of the recently added universities serving Cambodia especially the residents of Banteay Meanchey. Founded only two years ago, the University has now over 2,000 students and has started its graduate program as well. Owners of some of the small businesses in the Province have now the opportunity to get an MBA. Two of these were the owners of the hotel we stayed in and the restaurant where we had lunch.The commitment and dedication of the founding Rector has made this possible.


The University is located close to the Cambodian-Thai border of Poipet. It is about an hour from Siem Reap where Angkor Wat is. There are foreigners working in the University and it is opening its doors to more volunteers who want to share their expertise.

Travel Planning for International Work Contracts

Gone are the halcyon days when "road warriors" and consultants had secretaries for their executive assistants and assistants for their secretaries. Today, somehow, the folks at the sharp end book their own flights and look for their own accommodation. And if you work for yourself, you'll be booking flights on the way to the airport and cell phoning a hotel at the airport! Sometimes, you forget that what you hope will be true is not the same as the reality awaiting you at the other end! There are all kinds of things you need to consider before you fire up your engines for the next task...and, then, more to follow once you're on the road. Here are some steps that may help:

Lead Like a Coach

Coaching is helping people to learn as they work and nudging them as they think out solutions, wrestle with issues, discover ways of doing things and face challenges. Of course, there is also the red faced howling hockey coach style of yesteryear but maybe we've passed that! Today's leaders often talk about coaching but the truth of the matter is many don't really want to share with others what they consider their own competitive advantage. And, of course, others haven't a clue as to why they have been successful as they are as introspective as a flashlight. Coaching helps the coach too. Makes you think a bit and ask some questions about your own performance. But beyond this, you build stronger persons in your organization with competencies needed in the job as well as the capacity to take responsibility. And there is no delay between the "nudge" and the application. It's all applied and hands on...the best of learning. Mind you, if each time they face a problem, they go to you for solutions, they will develop a dependency that will just cripple their own growth! So, how do you coach them so soon they won't need you and learn to coach others?....read more

Build a Stronger Customer Base in Tough Times

Wow, it's tough out there! As competition for reluctant shoppers' dollars (or rupees or euros or whatever) gets more global and intense, you need more than ever to concentrate on your relationship with your customers to make it deeper and broader, to move from one of the pack to the go-to-gang for your product or service. Now is the time to dig further into your customers' needs and survival strategies and make these key inputs in your organization and decisions. Several factors determine your customers' thinking as they look at the year ahead. For you, to be successful, you need to manage these factors in a much more strategic way...Read more

Turbo Charge Your Performance

When done strategically and executed effectively, you will surprise yourself at how much you can really do. We only get a high when we are totally engaged and performing at the edge of our personal envelope. Fluffing around and shuffling papers or waiting for the boss' orders do not make for a happy you. You can almost hear the self respect going down the gurgler. Talk about a lose-lose situation. And it does NOT have to be this way. Sometimes, it's just that you feel like an outsider, sitting in the grandstand seats watching others dig in to the fun of effectiveness. Don't wait for someone to show you how you fit in. As the rugger coach says....GET STUCK IN!...read more