COPE Laos

COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) is a joint venture between the Lao Ministry of Health and NGOs to support the development of prosthetic, orthotic and rehabilitation services for Lao people with disabilities. COPE is the only provider of these devices in Laos, which is significant considering that Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world (from the Vietnam War). Many bombs did not detonate, and today UXO (unexploded ordnance) litters the countryside and remains a threat to the lives and livelihoods of the Lao people.

Last night was COPE's 2nd annual fundraising concert at the National Rehabilitation Center. I must return during the day to check out the visitor center. The event was huge (by Vientiane standards) and brought out lots of falang, mainly Kiwis, Aussies, and Germans from what I could tell. With five bands, both Lao and falang, as well as DJ Pierre's dance mix to finish off the night, it was a pretty grooving time (Klusterfunk, falang band below).



They also brought on stage Laos' first-ever paralympic medalist to speak to the crowd. Simay Eay was Laos' only paralympian at the 2008 games, and he won bronze in the men's powerlifting event. Go team!

On an unrelated note, Laos doesn't have a DUI law. Good to have some PSA's (e.g., above) indicating that "Drink + Driving = Accident," but apparently, most of the DUI accidents are caused by falang, perhaps not so surprisingly.