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.
Khuanjai and Phimphengchai, Students
Our names are Khuanjai and Phimphengchai. We live in the Dong Na Kham village, Savannakhet District of Laos. Our village is a very small settlement, prone to flooding. The rainy season causes a lot of difficulties for our community. The dirt roads become muddy and it becomes almost impossible to get out of the village. Classes used to be canceled constantly at the old building, because it was flooded or the roof blew off in the strong wind. The villagers wanted a new school more than roads because we all understand the importance of education for our future.
The difference between the new and old buildings is enormous. The new school is safe, clean, and very nice. We appreciate the newly-constructed school where we can study in any weather.
Khuanjai wants to be a doctor and Phimphengchai dreams of becoming a teacher for primary school kids after graduation. We will do our best to excel in our education to improve life in our community. We are very grateful for the new school and promise to take good care of it.
Bounyeng, Parent and Nouna, Student
My name is Nouna. I am ten years old and I am a student at the Dong Na Kham Primary School. I like studying and getting smarter. Math is my favorite subject, I solve all the tasks well, and I am the top math student in school every month.
My name is Bounyeng and as a parent, I think that education is very important and want my child to study hard. My wish for her is to have a good job when she grows up. I will do everything possible to support her and not let her give up on her studies.
We all can see the difference the new school has made. The kids stopped skipping classes and always attend them with pleasure. You cannot imagine how glad the parents are. Thank you to the Acronis Cyber Foundation for this school and opportunity.
Anousone and Bounmy, Students
We are Anousone and Bounmy and we are happy that we have a new school in our village. It is beautiful, neat, and cozy, unlike the previous one. There was a lot of dust and mud and big puddles of rain in our old school. We want to give a big thanks to the Acronis Cyber Foundation and promise to study hard.
We also want to thank Manchester City FC for the jerseys and footballs! It is great that we have them now. Though our parents try their best to make toys, swings, and other entertainment for us, there are still not many ways to have fun in our village. Football is one of our favorite sports here.
Read Part One here
