Friends-International

Mission

Friends-International reaches out to marginalized young people (particularly street children/youth), offering a range of comprehensive services as part of its holistic approach to assisting children and their families to improve their lives. Taking a long term view, Friends-International makes every effort to work with Governments so ultimately Governments develop the skills and expertise to take a lead role in the delivery of essential services to communities.

Programs

Programs are designed to respond to the needs of young people, and encourage their active participation in all aspects of the project and ensuring they have the space to develop their own solutions.Specifically, the organisations programs focus on promoting access to education and further training, ensuring each child/youth has the chance reach their full potential.

Personnel Overview

Atzimba Luna - Friends-International Program Director -Laos
With 6 years of experience on social development -4 of them with a major regional development organization and 2 of them in the field in Asia with Friends-International- Atzimba is responsible for the day-to-day overall supervision and management of the program activities in Laos, including the hospitality vocational training.

Gustav Auer - Hospitality Business Coordinator/Chef
Gustav is a renowned chef who has worked in in Austria, Italy, Canada and Bermuda. He has been instrumental in establishing Friends hospitality training programs in Lao and Cambodia, inlcuding the 3 training restaurants in both countries as well as coordinating the development of 2 Friends cookbooks which highlight the creativity and diversity of local dishes available in the Friends restaurants

Khamsene Latsavong - Restaurant Manager
Khamse is a native Khamu speaker raised in Kahmu village outside of Vientiane, Laos. He was the first person in his vilage to complete secondary school and receive a university degree. He has since supported other members of his family and community to conitnue their education in Vientiane. Khamsene began as teacher in Makphet Restaurant and later promoted to the Restaurant Manager.

Personnel Statistics

Sebastien Marot,
Executive Director
Founded in 1994
Employees: 144
Volunteers: 5

Financial Statistics

Budget (2008): £ 957,003
Budget (2007): £ 889,760
Maximum Budget: £ 1,170,844
Overhead: 13 %
Other funding sources: The Skoll Foundation, UNICEF, European Union, Give2Asia, Aide et Action, the Australian Red Cross, Save the Children Australia, AusAID, UNODC, The Netherlands Embassy, Mainline/Minbuza, ADB
Religious Affiliation: none