Plan works in the poorest districts of Bokeo Province in north-west Laos. The province borders Thailand and Myanmar, and is part of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’. Much of the area is mountainous, and many villages can only be reached on foot or by river.

Laos is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Its 5,600,000 people are from 49 different ethnic groups, each with their own languages, traditions and culture. There are 15 different languages in Bokeo Province alone.