Local ownership
VFI’s operations and projects are managed almost exclusively by Lao nationals.
Local focus
We work at the village level to address the unique challenges each community faces regarding safety, security and access to food and livelihood opportunity.
Gender equity
Every aspect of our work, from counter-trafficking to agriculture, is tailored to empower women and girls and increase their agency in local communities.
Capacity building
We build vulnerable individuals’ knowledge and confidence to exercise their rights and strengthen the ability of local government agencies to protect them.
Collaboration and trust
VFI develops multi-sector partnerships and is seen as an honest broker among villagers, private corporations, and the Lao government.
Open access to information
VFI makes information, tools, resources, and support widely available to villages, companies, and government agencies to push sustainable change.
Amplification of local voices
We strive to increase Lao citizens’ involvement in policy making by supporting village-level decision-making and advocating for national policy reforms to benefit local communities.
