Shanghai, September 17, 2022 - The launch ceremony of the second donation of " Lancang-Mekong International Education Public Welfare Project " was held in the Sodexo Shanghai headquarters, with audience from both online and offline.

The Plan was initiated by Lancang-Mekong Development Foundation (LMDF) and Consulate General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Shanghai, guided by China NGO Network for International Exchanges. It aims to help more students receive education and broaden their horizon, so that they will grow up to become contributors to the country. Students will benefit from the China-Laos friendship, promote bonds between the two peoples, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for both countries.

Sounthone Xayachack, Vice President of the National Assembly of Lao People's Democratic Republic Speech, and Dou Enyong, former Assistant to Head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and Vice President of China NGO Network for International Exchanges, Phoukham Vongvichit, Chairwoman of LMDF attended the meeting and gave speeches via a video link. Mithouna, Consul General of Consulate General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Shanghai, Li Weiping, Secretary General of China NGO Network for International Exchanges,, Martin Boden, President of Sodexo China, and representatives of LMDF, benefactor schools, think tanks, and enterprises attended the offline meeting.

LMDF is a regional international NGO based in Laos, focusing on ASEAN, its influence radiating to Asia, and oriented to the world. LMDF is committed to promoting the cooperation among the six Lancang-Mekong countries and building a community of shared interests, responsibilities and future among Lancang-Mekong countries and ASEAN members. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos and promote the exchange and cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture, education and charity, LMDF co-organized the "Lancang-Mekong Plan – Donation to Underprivileged Schools in Laos" with several schools in China in 2021.

On August 12, 2022, Phoukham Vongvichit, Chairwoman of LMDF, was invited to the Conference on Global Development Initiative initiated by the the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and co-signed the Declaration. The second "Lancang-Mekong Plan" is expected to be a parallel event to the project pool of international civil societies in implementing the Global Development Initiative.

This event represent the first time Sodexo partnered with the LMDF. Together, Sodexo and LMDF aims to eliminate poverty through the Lancang-Mekong Plan and bring happiness to more students. In 1996, Sodexo founded "Stop Hunger", an international non-profit organization that has contributed to reducing hunger and malnutrition in many regions and countries around the world.

Since the first "Sodexo Hope Kitchen" was established at Tahuangqi Primary School in 2015, Sodexo China has been donating Hope Kitchens, Hope Gardens and various supplies to remote areas, and offering nutrition and health classes to rural students. With "Hope Gardens", Sodexo plants not only seeds of love, but also advanced education and healthy living concepts for the rural students. To date, Sodexo has donated 8 "Hope Gardens" in different provinces and cities in China. Sodexo has offered health and nutrition training to nearly 140 chefs and managers in more than 60 "Hope Kitchen" schools in Guangxi, Hebei and Hubei. The project has improved the nutritional status and boosted the healthy growth of more than 30,000 children in rural primary schools.

Martin Boden, President of Sodexo China says, "As a responsible enterprise, Sodexo has been commited to building a better future. We're glad to join hands wiht LMDF to create better school and home conditions for students and bring hope to them."

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