JWOC Young Learners
It appears that some of the most eager students attending the JWOC Language School in Laos are under the age of 16! Since the school began holding classes in late 2008 JWOC has seen an out pouring of interest from students as young as six years old. This demonstrates the importance that younger generations in Laos attach to education in relation to their futures and the future of their country. As one of the poorest countries in all of Southeast Asia, most Lao never gave education any weight because it wasn’t accessible and not practical too their daily lives. Now that the government is leading the way in promoting education as the foundation for the growth of the country, changes are beginning to show!
Most of the English classes offered at the Language School are for students younger than 16 years old who are known as the JWOC Young Learners. These students come five hours a week to learn English from one of the JWOC Scholarship Students. Young Learners are able to learn another language at the JWOC Language School without putting financial burden on their families. They don’t have to pay for tuition, fees, books or any learning materials. All that is requested of them is to regularly attend the classes in which they are registered and complete tests and assignments. With the designed curriculum they have the opportunity to grow in their knowledge and abilities with each level offered at the school.
One of the first students to graduate from a level offered at the school took a moment to express his thanks for the school and how it will help him to reach his goals.
Taken from an interview with YePor Thor…
My name is YePor Thor. I am 15 years old. I am from Nasangveuw village in Luang Prabang, it is where many Hmong live. I have been studying Beginner English since July 2009.
I like classes at the JWOC School because it is free and the teacher is very good. There are no other free classes in Luang Prabang so I feel lucky. And I like my class because it is small. Everyone in my class pass the test so we are all on the same level which makes the class easier to learn
I am happy to be able to learn English because I cannot afford to pay for English class. I think it is my beginning. I want to be an English teacher and go to the Teacher Training College. I choose this subject because I like it and am very good at it. I think it is important to learn and teach because it is the way for Laos to talk to the rest of the world.
Thank you JWOC for giving me the teacher, books and classroom to learn English and improve my future!
We hope to increase the number of classes to match the interest from young students such as Ye Por Thor with the next academic year. JWOC will be able to provide more learning opportunities to these young minds with JWOC Language School and Scholarship Student sponsorships. Visit our Donate Now page if you would like to support the future generations of Laos with these opportunities.
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