As part of YCAB’s expansion in the region, it continues to search for likeminded organizations who share the same passion for educating the youth. When YCAB Chief Operating Officer, Firza Imam Putra, met Sengkeo Frichitthavong, a native of Vang Vieng, Laos, and founder of SAE LAO Project and Victoria Wood, chief program coordinator, in his visit to Laos in 2015, it was not difficult to see how dedicated these people and their whole team are into uplifting the welfare of their neighbors through education.
SAE LAO is a sustainable development project located in Nathong Village, near the city of Vang Vieng, Lao PDR. The project consists of a small organic farm, a farm-to-table restaurant, a community center that provides daily English classes, and a volunteer project for international visitors. It houses English and computer courses with other classes in accounting, speech (in English)and many others. Some educational courses work hand in hand with an entrepreneurial program that attracts several of the students to get their education at SAE LAO. They also have awareness programs for teenagers and adults which is similar to YCAB’s healthy lifestyle program – conducting seminar like sessions teaching the attendees about the ill effects of using drugs, HIV related diseases such as AIDS and general health while incorporating it with sports, arts and crafts and other outdoor activities such as gardening and sculpture-making.
The main impetus for YCAB’s involvement and partnership with SAE LAO was to support the university scholarship program for four students. YCAB donation helps to cover 45% of education expenditure in November, which was the scholarship program. The funds will not only cover the scholarship for some students but also the living expenses, food and books. SAE LAO also put YCAB funds towards books and resources that will be used by 254 students taking English classes.
One of the scholars’ testimonials was quite moving. It reflects the growing interest of the youth for education and SAE LAO’s achievement in making the youth in Laos realize the value of having an education.
Mor Yang’s November Report:
I started to study on the 29th of September 2015 at Lao American College. The first year at Lao American, there are four subjects such as: oral, writing, reading, and grammar, which include the New Interchange II.
When I was first in the class, I felt a little nervous but after a few days I felt okay. Everyday in my class the teachers always gave us homework and did exercises during the class, and sometimes my teacher tested with quizzes each unit that we had studied. I also had presentations in the class. My first presentation I only got a 50%, but the second time I got 80% and the third time I got 93%. I was so excited about my presentation because I haven’t gotten 93% before. About other subjects I also got good marks but I was still worried about the low score I got, 50% and 62%. These are my worst score but mostly I got 73% and 92% marks. At my school the most interesting part is presentation because presentation can improve my speaking and also make me confident.
YCAB Foundation’s partnership with SAE LAO Project will last for six months, subject to renewal. For more details on SAE LAO’s education programs, please check their website at http://www.saelaoproject.com/education/