For three decades, Mekong Plus has been a glimmer of hope and resilience for rural communities in Vietnam and Cambodia. Founded in 1994, this grassroots organisation has grown from a small initiative into a multifaceted force for change, impacting over 250,000 lives annually. Its 30th anniversary is a celebration of unwavering dedication, community empowerment, and a vision for a better future.
The Beginning of a Journey
Mekong Plus began with a simple yet profound mission: to alleviate poverty in some of Southeast Asia’s most underprivileged regions. Starting with microcredit programmes and education support, the organisation gradually expanded its focus to include health, sanitation, environmental conservation, and social entrepreneurship.
The foundation of Mekong Plus lies in its deep commitment to community-led development. Villagers contribute 70% of the resources for projects, ensuring a sense of ownership and sustainability. This participatory approach has been pivotal to the organisation’s enduring success.
The Power of Local Partnerships
Mekong Plus owes much of its success to the invaluable partnership with three dedicated local organisations: Thien Chi Centre, Anh Duong Centre, and the Community Advancement Organisation Cambodia. These partners are deeply rooted in their communities, enabling Mekong Plus to implement tailored, effective solutions. Thien Chi, operating in Bình Thuận and Ninh Thuận provinces, focuses on sustainable livelihoods and education, while Anh Duong, in Hậu Giang province, leads similar programs in the delta.. Meanwhile, CAO in Cambodia operates in one district of Cambodia
Together, these organisations form the backbone of Mekong Plus’ mission, ensuring that every project is locally led and impactful.
Empowering Women Through Social Enterprises
One of Mekong Plus’ most impactful initiatives is Mekong Quilts, a social enterprise empowering women artisans. Founded in 2001, this project has transformed the lives of over 70 women, providing them with sustainable incomes far above rural averages. These women handcraft beautiful quilts and other eco-friendly products, which are sold in our shops in Vietnam and worldwide.
Among these artisans is Nguyen Thi Lan, a single mother from the Mekong Delta who joined Mekong Quilts in 2005. Through her earnings, she was able to send her children to university, breaking the cycle of poverty for her family—a powerful example of the transformative impact of empowering women.
Achievements That Speak Volumes
Economic Development
Mekong Plus’ microcredit programme has had a transformative impact on over 35,000 households, offering them the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty. With an impressive 99% repayment rate, the programme empowers families to invest in small businesses such as organic farming, enabling annual income growth of 15-25%.
Beyond financial support, Mekong Plus has driven sustainable innovation, establishing over 1,000 organic farms and 3,000 biogas systems. These initiatives have significantly reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers, fostering environmentally friendly practices while enhancing livelihoods.
Education and Youth Empowerment
Through its scholarship programme, Mekong Plus has provided educational opportunities to 3,500 children from impoverished families each year, ensuring that financial hardship does not hinder their pursuit of knowledge. This steadfast support has resulted in a near-zero dropout rate among scholarship recipients, offering these students the stability and encouragement they need to succeed.
Looking ahead, Mekong Plus aims to expand this initiative, aspiring to assist 7,000 students annually by 2027, helping to build a foundation for brighter and more empowered futures.
Environmental Initiatives
Mekong Plus tackles pressing environmental challenges by promoting sustainable practices. Each year, the organisation plants 2,000 trees, recycles nearly 10 tonnes of plastic into construction materials and furniture, and supports the establishment of eco-friendly farms.
Community Initiatives: the Spirit of the Solidarity Run
The Solidarity Run, launched by Mekong Plus in 2001, embodies the power of community in supporting education. Villages rally thousands to participate in a two-kilometer run, with each donation funding scholarships for underprivileged children in the Mekong Delta region.
This annual event unites locals—students, parents, and officials—around a shared goal: ensuring every child can stay in school. By 2023, over 143,000 participants raised $56,000, directly funding education programs.
Where runs aren’t feasible, alternative activities like tree planting keep the spirit alive. The annual Solidarity Run remains a cornerstone of Mekong Plus’ mission to transform lives through collective action.
Challenges and Vision for the Future
Operating in rural Vietnam and Cambodia comes with its own set of challenges. Limited access to urban resources, language barriers, and regulatory restrictions often make fundraising and implementation difficult. However, the resilience of local communities and the dedication of Mekong Plus’ team have enabled them to overcome these hurdles time and again.
As Mekong Plus enters its fourth decade, the organisation is setting ambitious goals to deepen its impact on rural communities in Vietnam and Cambodia. By 2027, it aims to increase its annual outreach to 250,000 beneficiaries, bringing more families into its support network. To further economic resilience, the microcredit programme will be expanded to include an additional 5,000 households, with loan sizes increased to €200 to accommodate larger initiatives. Mekong Plus is also committed to scaling up its environmental efforts, striving to double its recycling capacity and plant 8,000 trees each year to promote sustainable practices.
To ensure the organisation’s long-term stability and continued success, it plans to establish a dedicated Mekong Plus Endowment Fund, laying a strong financial foundation for its future endeavours. Meanwhile, Bernard Kervyn, a co-founder of Mekong Plus, is currently travelling across various regions in the United States. His mission is to strengthen ties with the Vietnamese diaspora and raise vital funds to support Mekong Plus’ transformative work. This international outreach highlights the organisation’s commitment to building a global community of support for its local initiatives.
Join Our 30th Anniversary Adventure
Celebrate Mekong Plus’ 30th anniversary by joining us on a Cruise & Bike Adventure in February 2025. This unique eco-tour offers the chance to explore the stunning Mekong Delta, witness Mekong Plus’ impactful projects, and meet local communities whose lives have been transformed through education, microcredit, and sustainable initiatives.
By participating, you’ll not only enjoy an unforgettable journey, but you’ll also support the continued success of our programs. See firsthand the positive change you’ve helped create while discovering the beauty and culture of Southeast Asia.
More ways for you to make a generous contribution :
Sponsor a child with a scholarship: https://mekongplus.org/en/sponsor-a-child/
Finance a microcredit: https://mekongplus.org/en/finance-a-microcredit/
Join our eco-tours: https://mekongplus.org/en/mekong-bikes/
Buy our handicrafts: https://mekongquilts.com/
Make a donation to our programmes: https://mekongplus.org/en/donate/
Follow us on Facebook: Mekong Plus
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we close this chapter and step into a new year, we extend our deepest gratitude to you—our donors, supporters, and unsung heroes. Together, we can build a poverty-free Mekong Delta, one life at a time. Here’s to another 30 years of hope, resilience, and impact.
