A school community is not just a building. It’s the various individuals and groups who are invested in the welfare and vitality of the school, for example, the neighborhoods and municipalities.
In December 2019, the Acronis Cyber Foundation officially opened a primary school in the Dong Na Kham village in Laos. During the opening, the community shared many heartwarming stories which we will bring to you in a two-part series.
Khamva and Khansay
Khamva, Parent
Before the Acronis Cyber Foundation came to our village, we had a school. But it was very old and had a lot of problems. It was almost impossible to study in bad weather or the rainy season. The roof was leaking and there were big rain puddles on the floor when it rained. It was scary to stay inside the old building when the wind was strong. The new school building is very different from the old one and very nice.
Education matters so much nowadays, it’s just impossible to live without it. I am happy there is such an organization as the Acronis Cyber Foundation. It helps kids around the world and makes their dreams come true.
My 11-year-old son Khansay wants to be a policeman when he grows up and he wants to learn to drive a car. He is very good at math and I believe he will succeed in achieving his goals. I support him in everything and think the most important thing is that he enjoys whatever he chooses as his profession.
On behalf of myself and the whole community, I would like to thank the Acronis Cyber Foundation for improving the educational environment in Dong Na Kham. We are not afraid of our children staying in an unstable school building any longer.
Outhone Sayasith, Principal and Math Teacher
My name is Outhone. I am the Principal and Math Teacher at the Dong Na Kham Primary School. The primary source of living in our community is agriculture. Villagers grow rice, bananas, etc. But the modern world offers so many other good opportunities, such as digital literacy.
Here in Laos, it is mandatory to go to school at six years old, so all kids start at that age and go to pre-school. They are interested in new knowledge and like studying. We don’t lack teachers here as many of our students get teacher qualifications after graduating from school. They understand the importance of education and want to give back to others. Our school also has outstanding students, who earn scholarships from the government.
Read Part Two here
