CSGI’s “Champa Blossoms” Project Boosts Livelihoods, Education In Laos

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- China Southern Power Grid International (CSGI) has announced significant progress and impact from its long-running “Champa Blossoms” public welfare initiative in Laos, which has been supporting community development, poverty alleviation, and educational advancement since 2015.

Over three years, the “Champa Blossoms” welfare team successfully relocated 10,523 residents across 14 resettlement sites and 37 villages near a hydropower station. Essential infrastructure—including water, electricity, temples, clinics, and markets—was constructed before relocation to help residents adapt quickly.

Laotian employee Viengvilaylak, affectionately known as “Village Head” by the locals, outlined the initiative’s core approach to restoring livelihoods.

“Our work primarily revolves around seven things: land allocation, establishing agricultural training bases, holding agricultural skills training courses, mobilising planting and breeding activities, regularly distributing agricultural tools, developing 'one product per county', and supporting community development,” said Viengvilaylak.

According to CSGI in a statement, these efforts have transformed the relocation sites, with villagers’ livelihoods improving steadily.

The initiative, which integrates Chinese expertise with local needs, was recognised as a United Nations Global Poverty Reduction Best Practice Case in 2024, offering a Chinese model for international development efforts.

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In addition, in June 2020, the project team completed the construction of two China–Laos Friendship Schools, equipped with modern computer labs, well-stocked furniture, and advanced lighting and ventilation.

The schools have enhanced the learning and living environment for approximately 500 students and teachers, becoming provincial-level educational benchmarks. Beyond providing shelter and infrastructure, the project has “lit the light of hope for children in mountainous areas to change their destiny”, according to local reports.

-- BERNAMA