‘This case is closed…’ …and now the future really starts!
A success story from our Peuan Mit program in Lao PDR – how referral, vocational training and case management all combined to build a stable future for a young man with a troubled background.
Students from the 2013 Peuan Mit Mechanics Vocational Training Workshop
This month, former vocational training student Mr. S. will be taken off Peuan Mit’s job placement books. In January 2012, he opened his own mechanic business with start-up support from Peuan Mit, and throughout that year he received follow-up visits from program case workers to monitor his progress and help him to ensure his success.
Getting to grips with an engine – Mechanics Vocational Training in Lao PDR
His story not only highlights the high level skills building and retention that comes from the Peuan Mit vocational training program, but also the successful referral system that now exists in Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR and home to the headquarters and activities of Peuan Mit.
After moving from the north of Laos to stay with his father near Vientiane, Mr. S. experienced some problems at home caused by the divorce of his parents. The nearby Village Chief got in touch with Peuan Mit to try to prevent the young man from ending up working on the streets of the city or being caught up in other risky behaviors.
Mr. S with Peuan Mit staff at his garage business in Kham Noi village.
During the most recent follow-up visit to his garage business in Kham Noi village, Mr. S. told the Peuan Mit case workers he was now able to fully support his wife and child, and that business was booming, with many customers seeking out his skills every day. Although technically his case will soon be “closed,” he also knows that in the future he can continue to keep in touch with his great ‘friends’ in Peuan Mit !
