Young people in Laos are trying their best to make their communities better, but they still have numerous challenges. Early marriage is a major issue; nearly one in every five girls marries before the age of 18. It usually puts an end to their education and risks early pregnancy, poor health, and poverty. Most girls who marry early also receive pressure to drop out of school and assume adult responsibilities before they are adequately prepared. Early marriage also denies them opportunities to get good employment or leadership positions within their communities. Most young people in Laos have limited access to accurate information, safe spaces to address their concerns, and chances to get involved in decision-making that impacts their lives. Anan Thammavong, a 22-year-old college student, is working to change this by educating young people about sexual and reproductive health. He thinks that knowing your rights and speaking out is what creates change. With the help of organizations such as UNFPA, young people in Laos are speaking out and uniting to create a better future.
Pray for the Lao government to conduct awareness campaigns to educate the people about sexual and reproductive health. Pray for the lawmakers to implement more stringent laws to eradicate early marriages in the country (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 31:8-9).
Pray for more educational and employment opportunities for all the young people, especially girls, in Laos. Pray that, like the arrows in the hands of a warrior, the young people in the country, in the Hands of the Almighty GOD, are doing HIS Purpose (The Holy Bible, Psalm 127:4).
News Source: Laotian Times
Image Source: Canva
