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.
Phon Si
 |
With a population of around 355, Phon Si is located within the Nan district. The Khmu language is spoken here and residents engage in hunting, rice farming, and other agricultural-related activities to sustain their community. The Phon Si Primary School currently serves 43 students across grades 1-5. |
Justin’s Impact in Phon Si
Students in the Phon Si Primary School were previously learning in provisional structures with zinc roofing and dirt floors. Three classrooms were shared among five classes and overcrowding is hindering the learning environment. Additionally, there is electricity and water supply at the school.
PoP has partnered with the Phon Si community to build a new three-classroom structure. The community is committed to providing higher-quality education to its students, and contributed 20% of the resources and labor required for construction.
The new Phon Si Primary School will provide a high-quality learning environment where every child can reach their unique potential.