The Rural Development Agency (RDA) is a model agency that inspires and empowers rural communities. Currently RDA focuses on Holistic Education, Youth Development and Service Provision to its various partners in three thematic areas;

• Environment that focuses on Environmental Education for sustainable development, Biodiversity conservation (Forests, Climate change, water, Land, watersheds, Land use, etc. and, Water Sanitation and Health (WASH), Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage, Waste Management, and WASH and Nutrition Integration.
• Community Education that entails Volunteerism, Socio-Economic Empowerment, and Training Services/ Capacity Building.
•  Livelihoods thematic area that focuses on Alternative income generation, Food, and nutrition security; -Agroecology and Produce (Mindful) Marketing.

RDA has extensive experience and networks within Lao communities and works with young people, communities, local authorities and village functionalities in promoting sustainable and inclusive community development across Laos. RDA believes communities have the ability to be self-sustaining within their capacity thus building their confidence, networking, and dialogue skills.

One of RDA’s accomplishments is being at the forefront of introducing and expanding the use of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and now integrated approaches to WASH and Nutrition in Laos. RDA is the lead for this project because it has long working relationships with Mind Media, LaoPha, CARE and various GoL ministries on provincial, district and village levels.  The Organisation is an expert in facilitation, coaching, and behaviour change programming.

Influencing the perceptions on Sexual Health and Gender Norms through Entertainment Education project centres around the youth (aged 17-25). This will be achievable through the development of an 8-episode entertainment education television drama focused on influencing the perceptions and beliefs surrounding Sexual Health and Gender Norms. It will also tackle sub-themes such as gender equity, gender-based violence, sexual activity (perceptions and reality), contraception practice (beliefs and self-efficacy), people living with HIV/AIDs (stigmatisation and seeking health services), and education for girls, youth rights, and livelihoods.

The project challenges traditional gender and social norms by increasing the confidence and amplifying the voice of Lao youth to discuss issues presented on the show both amongst themselves and with decision makers within their communities.