Youth for a Brighter Future

I have experienced poverty firsthand and have managed to rise above it to fulfill my dreams. My path from being an orphan at just four years old to becoming a tour guide, teacher, and learning center director was far from simple. I am deeply grateful to those who supported me along the way—friends, teachers, and surrogate parents who generously shared their wisdom and guided me through challenging times. Now, I aspire to give back and help others who face similar struggles. A short story in Hmong related to my childhood with video parts of my adult  childhood https://youtu.be/02Qk9w6lQBc

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In recognition of those who have supported me, I am excited to share the initiative in establishing the Kailor Toua Jing Education Development Center, also known as the Kailor Education Center. Since 2013, this center has provided English, Chinese, and computer skills programs to low-income residents in our rural area of Phieng Luang, Phou Koud District, Xieng Khouang, Laos. I want to give back to my community by sharing the valuable skills and knowledge I have gained. Below is a short video of the learning center construction step by step. https://youtu.be/ea4-pQharcA

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While in the US, my friends established a nonprofit organization called the Education Center for Lao Youth https://educationcenterforlaoyouth.weebly.com/ to support the Kailor Education Development Center in Laos. The mission is to provide financial assistance and opportunities for underprivileged children in Laos, helping them realize their dreams.

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Over the past years, approximately 374 children have participated in our project., Due to a lack of ongoing support, some of them have dropped out or faced challenges such as early marriage. The remaining students are also at risk of leaving the program, highlighting the urgent need for continued assistance. Below is a short video of English classes for primary and high school students.  https://youtu.be/9rX5tj-UPE8

Drawing from my experiences, I aim to create something more engaging for our children. Our vision is to rent a house in Phonsavanh, where tourists can come in and practice English and Chinese with the students. Expanding this project to the city will provide valuable opportunities for our children to enhance their language skills and gain confidence. Below is a short video of children practicing English with tourists. https://youtu.be/XpUBop53H9M

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Many of our students come from families living in the countryside, far from the city, making it difficult for them to afford transportation to meet tourists for language practice. As a teacher and learning center director, I would like to organize trips for these children to meet and practice their English and Chinese in person with tourists. This hands-on experience will greatly enhance their learning and confidence.

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In addition to teaching English and Chinese, I've noticed many of the students are going through puberty and starting to explore sexual relationships. In my culture, discussing sex with children is often considered taboo, and parents typically avoid these conversations. highlights the need for open dialogue and education on these important topics to support their growth and understanding. Below is a short video of a girl who married at the age of 13. https://youtu.be/QSOc1Coc1C8

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As I reflected on my experiences, many realizations came to light. I recalled how several of my friends got married at the age of 15 before finishing high school due to unplanned their futures, largely from misconceptions and a lack of sexual education.   

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Economic pressures on these low-income young adults, another factor, are resulting in alarming school dropout rates, human trafficking (particularly of our female residents), labor migration (that too often ends up as human trafficking), and "mail order" marriages; these young individuals are vanishing from our communities at a time when work exists for them - if we can only give them the skills they need.

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Lack of education then contributes to the persistence of poverty. Additionally, young rural girls are often targeted by human traffickers and lured into marriages with foreigners. Reports indicate that many of them are abused, sold, and disappear. Investigations reveal numerous cases of women and girls under 18 falling into these traps, with some reports suggesting even more heinous crimes like organ trafficking. Below is a short video of a government officer addressing human trafficking in person in Laos. https://youtu.be/6Ndms7AkeQs

Tourism is an expanding industry in Laos, creating a demand for skilled workers across various sectors, particularly in Xieng Khouang Province. Providing training in English, Chinese, and computer skills can enhance job prospects and mitigate trafficking risks. The proposed initiative will support all students in Xieng Khouang Province, aiming to develop their foreign language skills. In 2024, Xieng Khouang Province welcomed over two million tourists, surpassing its 900,000 and generating approximately USD 560 million in revenue, as reported by Vientiane Times.

2025-2026 plan

I intend to rent a house in Phonsavanh to provide a welcoming environment for students, tourists, and volunteers to practice language and cultural exchange. This initiative aims to enhance skills in English, Chinese, and computer literacy, fostering learning and collaboration. 

The proposed project seeks to launch an educational program for at-risk youth, equipping them with English, Chinese, computer, and leadership skills to facilitate their entry into the expanding tourism sector and help lift their families out of poverty. Additionally, the Kailor Education Development Center will support them in their job searches. 

Alongside English, Chinese, and computer, we plan to offer classes that focus on individual rights and their significance in their lives. These sessions will provide a safe space for students to discuss their experiences of gender inequality, encouraging open dialogue and support, and will occur twice a week. 

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We will invite volunteers from various fields to share their experiences and collaborate with the students, helping them gain insights into potential career paths. In these classes, we will also address goal setting and pursuing aspirations, empowering students to envision their futures. 

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We aim to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to join the class and share their stories. Through these interactions, we hope to foster an appreciation for our differences and their impact on the challenges we face. Our goal is to instill the value of an open-minded approach to life and to develop their understanding of the broader world. 

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While we do not anticipate it, many of these children may come from single-parent families or those struggling with addiction, making donations from this campaign vital. The funds will help meet the estimated needs for the year, detailed in the expected budget below:

What we have.

• Permit/license

• The Kailor Education Development Center with English, Chinese, and Computer classes, and local languages instructors.

What we need.

Renting a house to create a welcoming space for students, tourists, and volunteers to participate in language practice and cultural exchange (with 3 rooms: a language practice area, reading storage, and a classroom) for $10,000 per year, covering:

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1. The house: $2,000 

2. Bills and materials: $3,000

• electricity,

• water,

• classroom materials,

• whiteboards,

• Transportation twice a week for activities connecting with tourists and volunteers 

1. Food and drinks for 2 housekeepers $3,000 

2. Maintenance: $2,000 

If you share my passion for helping these children realize their potential and believe they deserve the chance to work towards a better future, I invite you to help turn this project into reality. Every dollar makes a meaningful difference in their lives.