As we step into a new year and welcome Tết, the Lunar New Year celebrated across Vietnam, Cambodia, and much of Asia, it is a time for renewal, gratitude, and hope. For the families supported by Mekong Plus and our partners, this moment carries a deeper meaning: the hope that education, health, and dignity will continue to grow in the year ahead.
At Mekong Plus, we believe that wishing a good year is not only about words, but about actions. As 2026 begins, we want to thank everyone who supports our work and to share a clear message: your contribution truly changes lives. To help illustrate this impact, we are proud to share insights from Belgian economist Étienne de Callataÿ, who will speak at our upcoming conference and reflects here on how meaningful, well-used funds can transform communities over the long term.
https://www.mothersandmidwives.org/.
Tết: A Time to Look Forward Together
Tết marks a fresh start. Families gather, debts are settled, and hopes are placed on the year to come. In rural Vietnam and Cambodia, however, many families enter the new year still facing fragile living conditions, limited access to education, and uncertain income.
This is where long-term, community-based support makes a difference. Mekong Plus and our partner MMS (Mothers & Midwives Support) focus on sustainable solutions that allow families to stand on their own feet, preserve their dignity, and build a future for their children. As Étienne de Callataÿ reminds us, the effectiveness of this approach lies not in the size of the budget, but in how wisely it is used.
The Impact of Your Support: An Economist’s Perspective
Étienne de Callataÿ has spent years reflecting on public policy, social impact, and the responsible use of resources. When asked about the long-term impact of funds invested in projects like those of Mekong Plus and MMS, his answer is clear: the return is both immediate and lasting.
According to him, it takes relatively little money to significantly improve the quality of life of beneficiaries when projects are well designed and rooted in local realities. Access to education, health care, microcredit, or training does not only benefit one individual or family; it creates positive ripple effects across entire communities. Improvements in public health, environmental protection, and even reduced migration pressures often follow.
This efficiency of means is one of the strongest arguments in favour of supporting grassroots organisations that work hand in hand with local populations.
From Emergency Aid to Lasting Change
In his interview, Étienne de Callataÿ draws an important distinction between emergency aid and long-term development. Emergency assistance is essential in times of war, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises. But when it comes to building a future, durable support is key.
He stresses that sustainable aid respects human dignity and delivers better results over time. Projects that empower communities, strengthen local skills, and adapt to changing needs are far more effective than short-term fixes. This philosophy lies at the heart of Mekong Plus’s work: helping communities design and manage their own development, rather than creating dependency.
Why Small Amounts Can Make a Big Difference
One of the most striking aspects of development work in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, or the Democratic Republic of Congo is how far modest resources can go. Étienne de Callataÿ highlights the importance of working with local teams and mobilising existing resources, instead of relying heavily on expensive expatriate structures.
In these contexts, relatively small investments can meet essential needs such as education, basic health care, vocational training, or access to income-generating activities. When combined with strong local knowledge and long-term follow-up, these investments deliver measurable and lasting impact.
Trust, Transparency, and Measuring Impact
For donors, trust is essential. Étienne de Callataÿ underlines the importance of impact measurement and project evaluation. Organisations must be able to question their priorities, adapt to change, and avoid over-personalised leadership without local ownership.
What reassures donors most, he explains, is seeing that projects evolve, that communities gain autonomy, and that results are assessed honestly over time. This continuous learning process ensures that support remains relevant and effective.
Giving Also Means Receiving
Perhaps the most powerful message Étienne de Callataÿ shares is a simple one: giving feels good. Supporting a cause is not about sacrifice or guilt; it is about connection. Much like a godparent who supports and follows the journey of a child, donors who engage over time often find meaning, joy, and a deeper understanding of the world.
This is especially true for long-term support, such as scholarships, microcredit programmes, or community health initiatives. Following the progress of a family or a child over the years turns giving into a shared journey.
Join Us on March 26, 2026
These reflections will be at the heart of the conference organised by Mekong Plus and MMS on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The evening will feature Étienne de Callataÿ, alongside Bernard Kervyn, founder of Mekong Plus, and Claire Thibaut, founder of MMS, who will share her experience from numerous missions in the Kivu region.
The conference will take place at Église Saint-François in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, starting at 8:00 PM. It is an opportunity to reflect together on what truly effective solidarity looks like and how each of us can contribute meaningfully.
A New Year, A Shared Responsibility
As we welcome the new year and celebrate Tết, we wish you and your loved ones health, peace, and hope. More than ever, this is a moment to remember that meaningful change is possible when resources are used wisely, communities are respected, and solidarity is built for the long term.
Thank you for being part of this journey with Mekong Plus and MMS.
More Ways to Get Involved
Here’s how you can get involved:
- 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/
- Make a donation to our programmes: https://mekongplus.org/en/donate/
- Follow us on Facebook: Mekong Plus & Mekong Quilts
