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 Ouan
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With a population of around 511, Na Ouan is located within the Luang Prabang district, approximately fifteen kilometers from the city of Luang Prabang. Members of the community engage in farming and handicrafts. The Hmong and Khmu languages are spoken here. |
School of Wisdom’s Impact in Na Ouan
The Na Ouan Primary School currently serves grades first, second and third, with first and second grades sharing one classroom. The current structures are in poor condition, comprised of wooden walls, zinc roofing and dirt floors. Additionally, there are currently no restroooms located at this school. These conditions hinder learning, posing a hazard to student safety and engagement.
In the coming months, PoP will be partnering with the Na Ouan community to build a new three-classroom structure and teacher office. 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 broke ground in August of 2021 and, following months of hard work, expect to complete the structure in November of 2021. The new Na Ouan Primary School will provide a high-quality learning environment where every child can reach their unique potential.