How can green river algae help street kids?
‘Khaiphaen’ is a Laotian snack made from freshwater green algae or river weed. Sounds a bit gross but it’s actually delicious. It’s also the name of a fantastic little restaurant in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Bogs tucking into some delicious green algae.
Khaiphaen is a social business founded by Friends International as part of Tree, a global alliance of training restaurants. It provides opportunities for children, youth and caregivers living on the streets and in marginalized communities in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
As we’ve learned, Laos has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. A big increase in wealth has meant that it’s eligibility for graduation from Least Developed Country status has been confirmed. As good as that all sounds, 23% of the population still live under the poverty line. That, coupled with the fact that huge numbers are moving to the cities (at a rate which is the second fastest in Southeast Asia), has created increasing levels of urban poverty. As ever it's the children that end up suffering the brunt of the marginalisation.
Peuan Mit (“Good Friends” in Lao) is a program for these marginalised communities in Laos. It runs a number of different social businesses and has assisted thousands of marginalised children, youth and caregivers.
Khaiphaen is one of those businesses. It provides young people with the training and skills needed in hospitality, giving them brilliant employment opportunities in Luang Prabang’s booming tourism industry.
Not only though, does it does it have a positive beneficiary impact on the community, it’s also a damn good restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious - a creative mix of Laos cuisine that’s ideal for sharing - and the service was amazing. Both the students and the teachers (identifiable by their smart polo shirts) were extremely friendly and very attentive.
In the corner of the restaurant is another Peuan Mit social business - a small fair trade shop called Friends ‘N’ Stuff. Using mainly sustainable materials, it sells products made by members of their Home Based Production program (parents in need) who receive training, a stable income, social support, and employment assistance.
She does love a gift shop.
We loved the place and the people so much we decided to make a very small donation by buying a brick in their wall. The money they receive goes towards funding training for students like the ones who served us.
Us with a couple of the awesome Khaiphaen students and their teacher.
If you ever find yourself in Luang Prabang or even just passing through we’d definitely suggest popping in. Even if it’s just to try their delicious green algae based snack, you’ll be helping build the futures of street kids too.
