You’re Making a Difference Here
WHY LAOS?
In Laos, a lack of educational infrastructure is one of the greatest barriers to accessing quality education (BBC News Asia). 15% of people in Laos are illiterate, with even higher illiteracy rates amongst ethnic minorities (World Bank 2015).
Pencils of Promise works with 130 communities in Laos to ensure that students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 90,000 lives in Laos.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Province, located in northern Laos, sits at the intersection of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers.
PoP has built over 120 schools in Luang Prabang Province and is currently working in collaboration with communities to support teachers and provide quality infrastructure to ensure that students have access to quality education.
Houay Lae
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With a population of around 412, this community is located within the Ngoi district. Members of the community engage in farming and raising animals. The Khmu language is spoken here. |
Kimberly’s Impact in Houay Lae
The 62 students at Houay Lae Primary School previously shared two classrooms; 1st and 2nd grades shared one classroom, while 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders shared the other. These classrooms were made of wood walls, a zinc roof, and a dirt/grass floor. Because of this, school was often closed due to inclement weather. Additionally, here was no toilet or running water.
PoP has partnered with the Houay Lae community to build a new three-classroom structure. The community committed to providing higher-quality education to its students, and contributed 20% of the resources and labor required for construction.
The new Houay Lae Primary School provides a high-quality learning environment where every child can reach their unique potential.