Best Practice: Mekong Timber Plantations Gives Youth Access to Decent Work as Part of Longterm Business Strategy

Mekong Timber Plantations Co., Ltd’s youth inclusion programme has been a source of immense pride and inspiration for the Laos-based forestry plantation company. 

“It not only provides immediate benefits, such as fair compensation and safe working conditions, but also equips young individuals with critical life skills and knowledge. The programme helps bridge the gap for those who cannot attend school, offering them a pathway to personal growth and future opportunities.

Our journey in youth development has been filled with moments of joy and fulfillment as we witness young people grow, learn, and overcome challenges. The positive feedback from participants and the visible changes in their lives motivates us to continue and expand our efforts. We believe that by investing in the youth, we are investing in a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone involved,” says Phonesavanh Chindamany, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager at Mekong Timber Plantations. 

Since 2019, Mekong Timber Plantations (MTP) has been providing systematic support to youth in the local community through a wide range of initiatives that have benefitted over 2000 young individuals. MTP’s commitment to youth is fully embedded within the company’s daily operations and long-term business strategy and aligns with the Lao PDR government's prioritisation of youth development.

HOW IT ALL STARTED: MEKONG TIMBER PLANTATIONS’ YOUTH INCLUSION PROGRAMME

Recognising the need to support young individuals who leave school early, MTP launched its Youth Inclusion Programme in 2019 in collaboration with The Centre for Child Rights and Business. The programme addressed key challenges such as limited skill development and job opportunities, especially for youth who dropped out of school at a young age. 

This initiative created a safe and nurturing work environment for young workers and included comprehensive training for trainers and management and regular refresher courses for staff and contractors.

A risk assessment identified suitable roles for young workers in the nursery, leading to updated policies and new guidelines, including revised recruitment processes. New recruits underwent thorough induction and benefited from a peer mentoring system, which paired them with mentors of similar age to aid their integration into the plantations and factory.

CONTINUATION AND EXPANSION OF YOUTH INCLUSION PROGRAMME

After the programme with The Centre ended, Mekong Timber Plantations continued to apply the expertise gained from the programme to invest in and support local youth and to expand community engagement efforts. In 2021, MTP extended the Youth Inclusion Programme across the Nursery, Plantations and Processing Mill, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. This expansion included a detailed risk assessment to ensure safe and meaningful roles for young workers, refining programme guidelines and policies.

Soft Skills Training

MTP continues to organise soft skills training for young workers and local youth in Khammouane Province, covering:

• Career development

• Work-related math and literacy

• Human resource management, including anti-bullying and anti-harassment

• Leadership, communication, and teamwork skills

• Basic online skills

Engagement with Local Schools and Internships

Mekong Timber Plantations established a Youth Volunteer Group, with Hinboun High School, which promotes leadership, volunteering, environmental stewardship, children’s rights, and youth development. The MTP Internship Programme, launched in 2022, offers final-year college and university students practical experience and career exploration opportunities. Additionally, the "Majors Guidance" initiative helps high school students in Borikhamxay and Khammouane provinces make informed educational and career decisions.

Scholarship Programme

MTP offers full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, school supplies, and transportation for students pursuing studies in agriculture, forestry, environment, and rural development. Currently, four scholarship recipients are in their second year at the National University of Laos and Khammouane Technical Vocational College.

Regular Review of Living Wages

In 2023, MTP joined the Action Pledge and conducted an internal living wage assessment using the Global Anker Methodology. This assessment calculated the cost of essential goods and services, ensuring that workers receive a living wage that supports a decent quality of life. MTP's is continuing to regularly review and update this calculation.

IMPACT AND BENEFITS

Since 2019, the initiatives have created significant positive impacts:

For MTP:

• Expanded Reach: Broader network and increased community visibility enhance the company's reputation.

• Enhanced Capacity: Strengthened ability to implement effective programmes aligned with social responsibility and sustainable development goals.

• Increased Community Engagement: Fostered stronger local community connections, extending the programme's positive impact.

For Youth:

• Skills Development: Training in career development, leadership, communication, and technical skills.

• Mentorship and Networking: Opportunities for building professional relationships and gaining insights from experienced individuals.

• Career Guidance: Structured support and information on various career paths.

• Empowerment and Resilience: Supportive environment and resources enable young people to overcome barriers and pursue their goals confidently.

WHAT’S NEXT? 

Mekong Timber Plantations' vision for youth support is focused on deepening and expanding its commitment to empowering the next generation. The company plans to enhance its youth programmes by:

• Offering Comprehensive Skill-Building Opportunities: Providing more extensive training and development programs to equip young people with a diverse set of skills.

• Broadening Mentorship Networks: Expanding connections between youth and experienced professionals to offer guidance, support, and career insights.

• Establishing Partnerships: Collaborating with educational institutions and industry leaders to provide valuable resources and opportunities for youth.

MTP envisions creating a robust pipeline for young talent, preparing them with the necessary skills and experiences to excel in the workforce. This strategy aims to contribute to sustainable community development and drive long-term positive impact in the regions where the company operates. The goal is to nurture a dynamic and skilled workforce that can thrive in a rapidly evolving industry and make meaningful contributions to both the company and the broader community.

Based on MTP's experience, we strongly encourage other companies to embrace similar youth initiatives. The positive outcomes, such as enhanced skill development, increased professional opportunities for young individuals, and a broader community impact, highlight the value of such programmes. Investing in youth initiatives not only advances the personal and professional development of the next generation but also cultivates a more skilled and engaged future workforce. Moreover, these programmes enhance the relationship between the company and the local community, broadening the organisation’s network and creating mutual benefits for all parties involved.

Additionally, MTP has been proactive in raising awareness among our contractors and their workers about child rights and youth development. By educating partners on these critical issues, we can ensure that our entire supply chain upholds ethical standards and contributes positively to the well-being and development of young people,” says Vanh.