Our History
Gilberte Do-Huu and Robert Eberhardt embarked on a visit to Vietnam, where they reconnected with Bernard Kervyn and Thanh Truong, old friends from their shared experiences within the NGO Frères des Hommes in France and Bangladesh.
Confronted with the urgent needs of impoverished Vietnamese farmers, they decided to establish a new NGO, named VietNam Plus, operating as a French association in accordance with the 1901 law. Initially, VietNam Plus focused on a single project in Tiên Thành. Over time, other initiatives emerged, and the local team expanded to cover three provinces and extend into Cambodia.
The local team in Vietnam then grew to meet the increasing demand.
With the support of Dr. Duong Quynh Hoa and Oxfam-Belgium, Bernard Kervyn established a microcredit program in Tuc Trung, Đức Linh, and Tánh Linh. Dr. Duong Quynh Hoa, who served as the director of the Pediatric Center in HCMV (CPDS) until 1999, profoundly influenced Mekong Plus through her extensive experience.
Her contributions were acknowledged with honorary doctorates awarded both in Paris and Belgium.
VietNam Plus launched a program in the Mekong Delta, specifically in Hâu Giang, with significant financial support and the mobilization of dedicated personnel.
The Mekong Quilts program began, promoting the professional integration of women.
Local partnership with the Thien Chi association.
Mekong Plus surpasses the milestone of 80,000 beneficiaries.
The NGO then expanded its operations to Cambodia, leading to a name change from Vietnam Plus to Mekong Plus.
The partner association Anh Duong is launched.
Mekong Plus surpasses the milestone of 150,000 beneficiaries.
Opening of our bicycle tour program, with our first 24 participants.
To celebrate our 20th anniversary, Mekong Plus organized a 10,000 km race, joined by 23 teams.
Mekong Plus surpasses the milestone of 200,000 beneficiaries.
Mekong Plus continues to pursue its ambitions of sustainable eco-tourism with its first cruise, bringing together 45 participants.
Mekong Plus surpasses the milestone of 250,000 beneficiaries.
Opening of the Community Advancement Organization in Cambodia.
Mekong Plus programs have a positive impact on the lives of over 200,000 people annually. Through active community engagement and the expertise of our local teams, we maximize our impact while minimizing resource use. In aiming to foster sustainability, we gradually reduce support for established initiatives and introduce new programs, including inclusive education and women's rights initiatives.
