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 126 communities in Laos to ensure that students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 38,000 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.
Phik Nyai
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With a population of around 350, this community is located within the Luang Prabang district. Here, members of the community engage in upland rice farming and other agricultural- and livestock-related activities. The Khmu language is spoken here. |
Melissa’s Impact in Phik Nyai
In the Phik Nyai community, children were learning in one classroom. The structure was made out of wooden panels with tin roofs which do not properly shelter students from the elements. Students are exposed to environmental elements due to gaps and holes in the original build structure. These conditions hinder learning, posing a hazard to student safety and engagement.
The Phik Nyai community partnered with Pencils of Promise to build a new classroom structure. Phik Nyai is home to three passionate educators who’s own children now attend the community school. Their attachment to this village promises that their commitment to its education will continue to thrive. The community committed to providing higher-quality education to its students, and have contribute 20% of the resources and labor required for construction. We broke ground October of 2010 and, following months of hard work, completed the structure in December of 2010. The new Phik Nyai Preschool and Primary School has, and will continue to provide a high-quality learning environment where every child can reach his or her unique potential.
