PRESS RELEASE

July 27, 2006

USAID Builds Model Accessible Culture House in the Central Highlands

As a part of its support to children with disabilities in Kon Tum province, USAID worked through the non-governmental organization Pearl S. Buck International to build the first-ever wheelchair accessible Rong House in Central Highlands for residents of Kon Tum’s Center for Care and Support to Children with Disabilities. The Rong House is a distinctive feature of the Central highlands, used for community and cultural activities. However, its high platform makes it difficult for children with disabilities access. With the opening of the new accessible Rong house disabled children of Kon Tum can join in cultural and social activities organized in their famous symbolic culture house like every other child in Kon Tum. The Rong House is part of a $328,882, project funded by USAID to provide health and educational services for disabled children, and build capacity for local authorities in Kon Tum.

###