Whilst in Laos we spent a day in Vientiane and took a walk to visit the Cope Centre. The Cope Centre is a not for profit organisation that supports and helps rehabilitates people that have fallen victim to unexploded ordinance (UXO). If you want to read more about UXO and the war please take a look at my post here.
Outside the entrance to the centre is an interesting metal sculpture which was made by a local artist, entirely out of UXO.
Sculptures, Cope Centre - Vientiane, Laos
Inside the centre are many interesting displays, including photographs, documentaries and items of UXO that have been made safe.
Cope Centre - Vientiane, Laos
Drawing, Cope Centre - Vientiane, Laos
Many people in Lao fall victim to UXO as they are involved in the scrap metal trade, and a small amount of UXO can have a high scrap value. The pile of scrap UXO metal shown below is worth approximately 48,000 kip (about £3.80), quite a good wage in Lao.
UXO, Cope Centre - Vientiane, Laos
On your way out of the centre don’t forget to buy your stylist Cope t-shirt, or make a donation.
UXO, Cope Centre - Vientiane, Laos
Speak Your Mind