This study could not have been done without support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union (LYU).
On behalf of the study team, we thank Vanhpheng Thammavong, Head of International Relations, Deputy Chief of Cabinet of the LYU, who explained the union's structure and referred us to other individuals and documents for additional information.
Khampoune Keoviphakone, Deputy Director of Development and Vocational Department, was instrumental in the meetings with rural youth in both provinces studied. He also participated in the assessment activities.
We also extend thanks to the provincial and district youth union general secretaries who arranged village youth meetings and to:
Village Committee members from Ban Phonesavanh, Ban Noy and Ban Phonetong in Phonhon district, Vientiane province, and Ban Houy Kha, Ban Houy Jhong, Ban Mai and Ban Houy Dong in Boun Neua district, Phongsaly province, who gave their time and energy to ensure that we understood the situation in their villages.
Youth of those same villages who participated in the participatory assessment, which was instrumental for the data collection.
Friends from the Ministries of Education, Health and Agriculture and Forestry, who, through informal talks, provided us with information related to youth in their jurisdictions.
The participants of the National Rural Youth Workshop in Vientiane, 26-27 January 2005, who provided us with useful information.
Dr Phet Phomphiphak, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, for an informative meeting.
Last but not least, Malcolm Hazelman, Senior Extension, Education and Communications Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, and Annika Kaipola, FAO Lao Country Office, for their technical supervision and guidance throughout the study period.