From Vietnam to Europe: Huyen’s Journey Connecting Communities and Supporters
Over 15 days, five countries and countless encounters, Huyen from the Thien Chi Center travelled across Europe on a mission for Mekong Plus. His goal was simple: to bring the realities of rural communities in Vietnam and Cambodia closer to the people who help support them. For nearly nine years, Huyen has worked alongside disadvantaged […]
Keeping Children in School: Why Sponsorship Matters More Than Ever
For families living in poverty, education is much more than a school certificate. It can represent one of the most important opportunities to change the future of an entire household. Across the rural communities where Mekong Plus works, parents place enormous importance on their children’s education. When a young person completes their studies and begins […]
Looking Back at 2025: Building Stronger Communities Together
Every year brings new challenges, and 2025 was no exception. Communities across the Mekong region faced severe flooding, rising soil salinity, higher living costs, and continued economic uncertainty. Yet despite these difficulties, one thing remained unchanged: the determination of local communities to build a better future. For more than 30 years, Mekong Plus has worked […]
From the Mekong to Europe: A Month of Connections and Impact
March was an intense and meaningful month for Mekong Plus, marked by a series of events across France and Belgium. From a private concert to university talks, media exposure and a major conference, this mission highlighted both the growing interest in our work and the importance of continuing to engage new audiences. More than ever, […]
Three Inspiring Stories of Women Leading the Way in the Mekong Region
March is a moment to celebrate women everywhere. At Mekong Plus, women are not only beneficiaries of development programs, they are also leaders, entrepreneurs, and pillars of their communities. Across rural Vietnam and Cambodia, thousands of women are quietly building stronger futures for their families. Some lead community initiatives, others develop small businesses through microcredit, […]
How Corporate Partnerships Drive Real Social Impact with Mekong Plus
Introduction: The Power of Collaboration in Creating Lasting Change For over 3 decades, Mekong Plus has operated under a guiding principle: no organization, no matter how dedicated, can create large-scale change alone. As a small NGO deeply embedded in the realities of rural Vietnam and Cambodia, we have witnessed the struggles, resilience, and aspirations of […]
Passing On a Legacy of Solidarity: Bequests and Donations to Mekong Plus
What if your legacy became a seed of hope? For more than 30 years, Mekong Plus has been working in Vietnam and Cambodia to fight poverty sustainably, empowering local communities to build their own future. Through programs in education, health, microcredit, economic development, environment, and small infrastructure, more than 6,000 children each year receive scholarships, […]
Trump’s Tariffs: Economic and Social Shockwaves for Vietnam and Cambodia in 2025
The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have sent shockwaves across the globe, but it is in Southeast Asia—particularly in Vietnam and Cambodia—that their impact is being felt most acutely. As soon as the measures were announced, Vietnam responded swiftly by sending a delegation to the United States in an attempt to ease tensions. Thanks […]
Back to School: How a Simple Scholarship Can Change a Child’s Future
In many parts of the world, “back to school” means new notebooks, sharpened pencils, and fresh uniforms. But in rural Vietnam and Cambodia, it can mean uncertainty, anxiety, and for many children, the painful reality of staying home while others return to class. For these children, a scholarship can be the turning point. At Mekong […]
Building Hope, Brick by Brick: How Mekong Plus is Rehousing Vietnam’s Poorest Families
Across the flood-prone lowlands of the Mekong Delta and the arid hills of central Vietnam, thousands of families still live in fragile shelters—barely able to withstand the rain, let alone the growing pressures of climate change. For these families, having a safe, permanent home remains a distant dream. But thanks to Mekong Plus and its […]
Sustainability: Projects or People?
The word “sustainability” is everywhere — in speeches, reports, funding proposals. But behind this trendy term… do we really understand what it means? For the European Union and institutional donors (AFD, USAID, FCDO, GIZ, UN agencies…), a project is considered sustainable when it can continue without external funding: “The project will carry on after funding […]
Microcredit: Miracle Solution or Hidden Trap?
Microcredit is often hailed as a miracle solution to poverty. Since the 1980s, it has captured the imagination of governments, NGOs, and financial institutions alike: lend small sums to people excluded from the banking system to help them launch income-generating activities. It’s a simple, flexible, and empowering tool. But the reality is far more complex. […]
Reconnecting, Sharing, and Growing: Mekong Plus’ Impactful Journey Across Europe
In March 2025, the Mekong Plus team hit the road for a month-long journey across Europe with a clear goal: to reconnect with previous supporters, introduce Mekong Plus and Mekong Quilts to new allies, and build fresh opportunities for the future. Spanning over 4,000 kilometers and five countries, this ambitious mission was both inspiring and […]
A Meaningful Voyage: Highlights from Our 2025 Solidarity Cruise
The Mekong Delta is a place where vibrant traditions, rich landscapes, and resilient communities converge—and the Mekong Plus Solidarity Cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience all of it from the deck of the charming RV Toum Tiou II. But unlike a typical river cruise, this journey goes beyond sightseeing. It’s about connecting with people, […]
Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Women and Combating Domestic Violence with Mekong Plus
March is a time to celebrate women, but it is also a reminder of the challenges many still face. Across Vietnam and Cambodia, domestic violence remains a deeply rooted issue, affecting nearly 30% of households in vulnerable communities. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, domestic violence perpetuates cycles of poverty, making it harder for women […]
Empowering Rural Communities in Cambodia with CAO & Mekong Plus
The Community Advancement Organisation (CAO) has been a beacon of hope and resilience for rural communities in Cambodia since its founding in 2021. Emerging from the Cambodian branch of Mekong Plus, CAO carries forward a mission that started in 2007. Its aim? To lift families out of acute poverty through integrated community development initiatives that […]
Mekong Plus: 30 Years of Transforming Lives in Vietnam and Cambodia
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 […]
Bike Tours and Cruises in the Mekong Delta: Sustainable Adventures with Mekong Plus
The Mekong Delta, with its lush landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers an unparalleled destination for travellers seeking meaningful, sustainable adventures. Mekong Plus, a dedicated non-profit organisation, has developed a range of eco-friendly bike tours and cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia, crafted for those looking to explore the region responsibly. Perfect for individuals, families, […]
What 2 Decades of ODA Brought Vietnam & Cambodia
A Changing Landscape of Foreign Aid In the decades following major conflicts, Vietnam and Cambodia became significant recipients of international aid. Vietnam, after the conclusion of the Vietnam War in 1975, received large-scale assistance primarily focused on post-war reconstruction and economic recovery. Cambodia, meanwhile, began receiving substantial aid after the fall of the Khmer Rouge […]
In Their Words: Sang and Nguyen on their Fundraising Trip to Europe
In early 2024, Ms. Sang from the Anh Duong Center and Ms. Nguyen from the Thien Chi Center embarked on a transformative journey to Europe for the first time. Accompanied by Bernard Kervyn, the visionary founder of Mekong Plus, this three-week expedition was more than just a visit—it was an opportunity to forge connections with […]