Local School Support
The Problem
One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of development for Laos is the accessibility to a quality education. You don’t have to go far outside of the major cities to see the needs Laos’ schools have to be able to run efficiently and effectively. By law, students must finish at least a primary school level of education. Since this is mandated, most villages, excluding unreachable ones high in mountainous regions, offer some sort of primary school education. Beyond the primary level, students usually must travel to continue higher levels of their schooling. As the levels of education increase, the accessibility of the schools decreases. And if a school does exist, it usually lacks the basics like textbooks, desks, blackboards, storage cabinets or bathroom facilities.
Along with these shortages, most students don’t have the necessary items needed to attend school such as uniforms and/or transportation. All public schools are said to be a free education for the students, yet each year the students’ families have to buy school uniform(s), student supplies, and pay a school fee. Schools are unable to solely cover the costs for teaching/administrative materials, pay for utilities, maintenance for the school and much more without charging the families an annual school fee. The lack of these simple materials, resources in schools and inaccessibility to schools means that many children have limited opportunity to access a good education.
What JWOC is Doing.
JWOC collaborates with the teachers and education officials of Primary Schools to evaluate what they lack most and how JWOC can offer assistance. This could be with materials such as textbooks, uniforms, desks, teaching/learning supplies, utility costs, etc. JWOC determines which of these items are found to be most crucial to providing a suitable learning environment. Once an agreement is reached, JWOC seeks donors and funding to get these items. Taking advantage of its local presence within and near these communities throughout the year, JWOC can also monitor the effects of the donated materials to make sure they are creating a helpful and positive change for the students and their families.
JWOC strives to work alongside village schools not only to provide needed materials, but to give them the chance for a brighter future through education.
Learn more about the schools JWOC supports by clicking on the pictures below: |  |
