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 students and teachers 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.
Na Khaeng
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With a population of around 375, Na Khaeng is located within the Chomphet district. Here, members of the community engage rice farming and other agricultural-related activities. The Khmu language is spoken here. |
BBIN’s Impact in Na Khaeng
First graders currently enrolled at the Phon Hom Preschool and Primary School attend class in a community-built structure. Fourth and fifth graders attend class in the community meeting hall, while second and third graders learn in the primary school structure. All structures are wooden with tin roofs and do not properly shelter students from the elements. These conditions hinder learning, posing a hazard to student safety and engagement.
In the coming months, PoP will be partnering with the Phon Hom community to build a new four-classroom structure. The community is committed to providing higher-quality education to its students, and will contribute 20% of the resources and labor required for construction. We expect to break ground in September of 2019 and, following months of hard work, complete the structure in December of 2019. The new Phon Hom Preschool and Primary School will provide a high-quality learning environment where every child can reach his or her unique potential.