Phonsai is 20 years old and comes from Oudomsouk village in Champasak Province. He comes from a large family with 9 siblings. His parents are from the Ta-oi and Ngae tribal groups. Phonsai understands some English and has a High School Certificate. He was baptised as a 13 year old. He says that this course is necessary for life and everyday living but most importantly he wants to serve God.

Geo Somphone (Jamie) is 23 years old and comes from Bajieng District, Champasak Province. He comes from a family of 7 and is of mixed Lao and Ta-Oy ethnicity. He speaks Ta-oy and a little English. Jamie has a High School Certificate and is a believer. He is a great guitar player and loves doing practical things. The most important thing for him is to gain practical skills that will get him a job.

Baang is 15 years old and comes from Senyal  Village in Attapeu Province. He is the oldest of 3 children and had recently been getting into a lot of trouble with those who do drugs. His parents sell clothing and wanted him to come to the course to change his situation and learn something useful. He is from the Talieng tribal group but doesn’t speak much of that language, only Lao. He dropped out of school in year 10.

He says, “I will start a new life and change. I want to change my heart and be a good person with a new heart.”

Tai is from Mitsamphan Village in Attapeu Province. He comes from the Oi tribal group and a family of 6. He was so keen to do the course that he came last year before it had commenced and while they were still making initial plans for the bakery course. He stayed on and did the housekeeping course putting up with a lot of flak for doing a girl’s course. He has proved he can study under pressure. His English is good, having studied for the alst 18 months. 

He says “I’ve learned many things here including the best way of living. Here it is always God’s way. I love the people, they are fantastic.”

Liu is from the Ngae tribal group. She comes from Phokhem Village in Salavan Province. She is 17 and comes from a family of 5. Her father died when she was 5 so she quit school in year 7 to work in the family garden and help support her siblings.  

She says, “If I don’t study I won’t know these skills. Thank you for this opportunity.” 

Phouamala is from Mueanluan Village in Bajieng district. She comes from a family of 8. Her mother makes brooms and her father works as a cart pusher in the local market. She is a Christian and is from the Nyaheun tribe. She says she wants to gain these skills as housekeeping skills will enable her to have a permanent job. 

Paep is from Lik Village in Sekong Province. She is 18 years old. She comes from a family of 5 and the Alak tribal group. She finished school as a 20 year old and since then has been working on a rice farm. Her parents are both rice farmers and didn’t want her to become a Christian or to come and study. 

She read a book about Jesus and became a believer. She is the only one in her family who follows Jesus. She says, "God gave me this course, I think it will help my life.”