Report from BHW Laos Partnership Facilitator 

Although I cannot visit Lao Vida at present due to travel restrictions I enjoy regular communication with Karen and Andrew and this report has been compiled on that basis. 

Recent Events

Language School

English language classes began again in February 2021 with student numbers remaining high despite Pakse feeling the impact of the economic downturn brought about by the pandemic. This is encouraging, but also means a lot of work for the Lao Vida team as they operate without their usual short term volunteers assisting with the teaching load. It is a real asset to have the three TESOL trained local Lao staff available to help manage the demand.  

Reading Programme

Karen and several Lao staff have been translating some foundational material that Andrew developed late last year. The whole team is meeting in small groups each week to discuss what they have been reading individually during the week. This is building a good personal habit of daily reading and seeking and will help to strengthen character and grow the whole team. 

Christmas Events

Despite planning for a ‘quieter’ Christmas at the end of 2020 it was still a busy and exciting time.  The team, friends and some neighbours enjoyed dinner in the newly renovated restaurant at the Every Tribe guesthouse. There was lots of fun for everyone with games for the kids, presents for everyone, a drama and conversation. 

In early January this year, some of the staff were able to travel back to their home village with special food and gifts for a slightly delayed Christmas event too. 

Vocational Training

House Keeping Students
The current housekeeping girls spent February in local placements to provide them the experience of working in the hospitality industry. This month (March) they will be back working at Lao Vida with a focus on training in Excel (spreadsheets) and events planning. During that time they will also begin to transition into longer term roles that they will take up within Lao Vida when they graduate later this year. 

Bakery Apprentices
Last year in September a graduation was held for the six young men who have been undertaking bakery training for the past two years. It was a wonderful celebration of their achievement and hard work. They were able to invite their friends and family so there ended up being about 80 people in attendance. As most come from remote rural areas, vehicles were sent to help transport those who wanted to join in and the families stayed with Lao Vida for several nights before being returned home. 

Every Tribe Guesthouse and Restaurant 

At the time of the last report, Lao Vida had just acquired the lease for a large property on the river that is just a few minutes’ walk from the Language School. Despite periods of lockdown, Roger and the team have been able to work consistently on the site and much has been achieved. A new office and toilet block have been completed, as have the restaurant and kitchen. Despite the lack of tourists at present, the facilities have already proved useful for Lao Vida events (like graduation and Christmas) and can be utilised locally until borders open and tourists return. It provides another excellent avenue for the ongoing training and development of Lao Vida staff. 

In the meantime, the leadership at Lao Vida consistently pour time and energy into the lives of a large staff team and students. They are focused on growing and developing this group of young people so they may be of service and a blessing to many in the community and surrounding areas. 

Comments

Despite significant challenges, Lao Vida continues to grow and develop in exciting ways. It is a real testimony to the strength and growing maturity of the Lao staff team that they were able to manage in their roles despite Karen and Andrew’s unexpectedly extended visit to NZ last year during the lockdown. This capacity is a result of years of training and mentoring that has gone on long after the official vocational training programs have been completed.   

The level of opportunity being provided for Lao young people to grow in their skills and experience, and to develop leadership capacity in this context is exceptional. The core expat team are dedicated to their roles and despite being stretched due to the loss of volunteers to assist in the language school they are invigorated by a real sense that something new and exciting is underway through the Every Tribe project.

I have every confidence that as well as continuing to grow and develop a strong staff team of Lao young people, a growing number of wider community stakeholders will also be impacted by this significant work.