A story born from encounters
Samaki means “solidarity” in Lao. Before becoming an association, Samaki Laos was first a story of connections made in Tad Lo, shared conversations and projects that began almost naturally.
A name that says what matters
The word “Samaki” carries the idea of solidarity. For us, that does not mean arriving with a ready-made solution. It means being present, listening, understanding and building with the people who bring the projects to life.
It all started in Tad Lo
Tad Lo is in southern Laos, in the heart of the Bolaven Plateau. Over time, strong ties formed with people in Tad Lo and nearby villages. Friendships grew, exchanges multiplied and so did the desire to become more involved in local life.
The association was founded by French friends, some living in Laos and others spending several months there each year, together with Lao friends who share the same desire: support local ideas and stand alongside people who want to move forward.
Kelly Genand is a co-founder of Samaki Laos.Kelly Genand is a co-founder of Samaki Laos.
The projects existed before the association
For nearly two years, several actions had already begun: support for children’s schooling, training, help for local people developing projects and occasional assistance when families went through difficult periods.
Above all, these experiences taught the team one thing: understanding what is genuinely useful takes time. Samaki Laos was created to give a lasting framework to work already happening on the ground.
How we work
Every project begins with an encounter and listening. We seek to understand real needs, wishes and constraints. Only then do we consider what the association can contribute: a skill, training, equipment, funding or a connection to other people.
The goal is not to make anyone dependent on the association. On the contrary, we want each project to gradually stand on its own.
A registered and identifiable association
Samaki Laos was registered with the Savoie prefecture on 5 June 2026. Its creation was published in the French Official Journal on 16 June 2026 under notice no. 1815.
Its declared purpose is to improve living conditions for isolated communities in southern Laos through access to education and professional integration.
La Balme, France
One team, in France and Laos
Samaki Laos is carried by a team working day to day in both France and Laos, united by the same connection to the people and projects we support.
In France, Mathilde, president, Lisa, secretary, and Christine, treasurer, keep the association running. They manage its organisation, follow the projects and stay in regular contact with the field.
In Laos, Kelly, co-founder and coordinator, is present day to day. She supports the projects, speaks with the people we meet and connects the field with the team in France.
Alongside her are local residents and partners with whom we share daily life. They bring their knowledge, ideas, skills and perspective on local realities.
Everyone brings their role, skills and experience, and this complementarity is what moves the projects forward.
Over time, connections grow, exchanges become familiar and trust takes root. That is what brings Samaki Laos to life.
What guides our decisions
These words are not decoration. They guide us when we choose to support a project, ask for a donation or welcome a volunteer.
The encounter
Before a project, there is a person, a story and a relationship built over time.
Respect
Listen before proposing, understand the local reality and never impose our own solutions.
Trust
It grows from presence, exchange, keeping one’s word and honouring commitments.
Sharing
We have things to share, but also much to learn. The exchange goes both ways.
Responsibility
Every contribution entrusted to us carries a responsibility. We want to be clear about what we do and how the resources we receive are used.
Long-term commitment
Important things take time. We want relationships to last beyond a one-off action.