I chose Laos over Myanmar for my last country on this year-long trip, mostly because of what I learned while at the Karen refugee camp about the persecution of ethnic groups in Myanmar that continues to this day.
I went to Laos thinking of relaxing and catching up on things. I also knew there was a drop-in volunteer place with a strange name in the city of Luang Prabang. Maybe I would visit there and see what happened.
Big Brother Mouse
Big Brother Mouse is an organization that supports the distribution of books for students in Laos. Education in Laos, from preschool through college, mainly focuses on rote learning. Students repeat and memorize. Books are not common and very few people read for pleasure. Big Brother Mouse has had a huge impact in the community by publishing books, promoting reading, and providing opportunities for English practice. For two hours every morning and afternoon, seven days a week, the downstairs room overflows with Lao students conversing with any English-speaking foreigners who happen to stop by and talk with them. I have never seen anything like it.
The students were mainly high school or college age, though some were younger or older. All were eager to practice English. “What is your name?” “Where are you from?” “How many people are in your family?” These were some of the most common questions and I admit I grew tired of answering them dozens of times a day with each new person that sat down. But at the same time, it was hard to stay away. Over time, I got to know some of the students better and we were able to have much more interesting conversations.
Most of the students were just finishing their intense year-end exams and starting a three-month holiday. I asked many of them what they would do now that they were on holiday. Every student answered the same, even though they were asked at different times and places. “I will study.” It didn’t matter if they were nine or twenty-nine. The students here are so motivated to learn that they use all of their free time to study. Many are teaching themselves English, Chinese, Thai or another language, in addition to studying their regular school subjects.
A Field Trip
I spent one day visiting Big Sister Mouse, a new school opened by the organization. It is located in the countryside and currently teaches preschool through third grade. There are eight young adults living on the campus who are helping out at the school while continuing their own studies and learning many life skills that will help them in the future.
Another volunteer and I spent a good part of the day practicing English with these older students. We also visited the younger classes and I even led a few rounds of the Hokey Pokey, something I never imagined myself doing.
Every student I talked to at Big Brother Mouse, as well as the older students helping at Big Siter Mouse, came from a village in the countryside. They had moved to Luang Prabang, a small city in northern Laos, to study. Their families farm in the villages where there is little opportunity to continue your education. Most of the students were Hmong, one of the three main ethnic groups in Laos. Others were Khamu. The third ethnic group is Lao. The Hmong and Khamu students speak their ethnic languages (which are not taught in schools) as well as Lao. The students understand and speak some Thai as well since many of the TV shows they watch are in the Thai language.
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of French colonial architecture, trendy cafes, luxury boutique hotels, quaint guesthouses and hostels, and many temples. The people I met, however, do not have access to the fancy parts of the city. They eat rice when they have it, work and study long hours, and only travel between their village and Luang Prabang. Even the backpackers paying a few dollars for a dorm room are much wealthier than most of the local people. Despite their hardships, travelers are welcomed with sincerity, warmth and peace. You’ll learn more about two students I met in my next post.
In the meantime, here are some scenes from the nine days I spent in Laos.
Big Sister Mouse
Big Brother Mouse
Luang Prabang
June 25, 2017 @ 12:37
Beautiful post, Tim…….Love the motivation to learn demonstrated by your students! I wish you could bottle the enthusiasm and commitment and bring it home with you!
June 28, 2017 @ 04:22
I’ll try!
June 25, 2017 @ 18:34
ohhh … I wish we would have gone there!
June 28, 2017 @ 04:22
Next time.
June 25, 2017 @ 20:49
I agree with Lori, as this is one of your most beautiful posts! So many things I want to ask you about each picture- what a peaceful ride to school you must have had and to be so with warmth and peace. If only we could all be like this.
Glad to see that you haven’t given away your yellow plaid shirt. You look very nice with your students☺️
June 28, 2017 @ 04:23
Yes, that shirt is a keeper.
June 26, 2017 @ 08:49
I always admire people with a thirst for knowledge at any stage of life. The children in this post are so beautiful and radiate joy and peace.
June 28, 2017 @ 04:23
There is a lot to admire about these students.
June 26, 2017 @ 14:05
WOW! I agree with the above and wish you could bottle up the love of reading and learning and appreciation for life the students have.
I also think you should become a photographer when you return. Breathtaking photos!
June 28, 2017 @ 04:24
Thanks, Deidre! I was just telling someone the story of our dinner at the Bridge restaurant.
June 27, 2017 @ 06:30
Lori said it best, if we could only instill such a love for learning!
June 28, 2017 @ 04:24
We’ll keep trying.
June 27, 2017 @ 19:49
Teaching the Hokey Pokey…you go Tim! Thank you for sharing your incredible journey. You are an inspiration and a true gift to all! Enjoy the rest of your time and know that you have made a difference in the lives of many!
June 28, 2017 @ 04:27
Thanks, Julie! Luckily, there are no photos of me leading the hokey pokey.
June 28, 2017 @ 15:47
So amazingly beautiful. Incredible work ethic.
July 1, 2017 @ 08:15
I am inspired by these students.
July 6, 2017 @ 23:18
GLAD you had this visit as you were winding down to come back – it did seem a peaceful place.
July 11, 2017 @ 09:23
It was a nice place to hang out.
Miss You | The Alternate Route
October 25, 2022 @ 17:46
[…] “Miss you, teacher” on my screen from students at Mae Ra Moe refugee camp in Thailand and from Big Brother Mouse in Laos, the last two places I volunteered. Their messages bring me back to a different world […]