By A Child’s Notebook
After school program in middle school in Oudomxay province, Lao P.D.R.. Photo: A Child’s Notebook
In the pursuit of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education, A Child’s Notebook, an organization dedicated to empowering rural villages in Laos, stands as a shining example of commitment and innovation. Their multifaceted approach, centered on partnerships, infrastructure development, and complementary programs, is not only transforming the lives of thousands of children but also addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the field of education.
Core Programs
A Child’s Notebook firmly believes that every child deserves access to a quality education. This belief is the driving force behind their work, as they strive to provide financial resources to construct schools and work hand-in-hand with village leaders to create educational facilities that best cater to the needs of their communities. The organization’s approach encompasses three core programs: Construction, Scholarships, and Afterschool Programs.
Villagers building a primary school in Oudomxay province, Lao P.D.R.. Photo: A Child’s Notebook
One of the primary challenges faced by rural communities in Laos is the lack of proper educational infrastructure. A Child’s Notebook recognizes this issue and addresses it head-on through their construction program. By focusing on building safe and sanitary school buildings, dormitories, and latrine facilities, the organization is ensuring that the physical environment of schools is conducive to learning. Moreover, their commitment to sourcing materials locally not only supports the local economy but also ensures that their resources benefit Laos as much as possible. They have executed significant construction projects, such as the Don Chang lower secondary school dormitory and its kitchen. This initiative not only expanded the physical infrastructure but also improved the overall learning environment for countless children. To date, we have collaborated with local communities to build eight school buildings and four dormitories. These efforts are a testament to the organization’s dedication to SDG 4, as they address the critical issue of infrastructure in rural education.
New primary school built by villagers and materials provided by A Child’s Notebook in Oudomxay Province, Lao P.D.R.. Photo: A Child’s Notebook
In their pursuit of quality education, A Child’s Notebook recognizes the importance of removing financial barriers that often prevent children from continuing their education. Their scholarship program, implemented in collaboration with in-country staff and teachers, targets middle school children who may face challenges in attending middle school due to financial constraints or lack of interest. These need-based scholarships cover essential costs such as uniforms, supplies, and learning materials, ensuring that students have the necessary resources to thrive academically. The pilot scholarships introduced during the 2021-2022 school year yielded remarkable results, with a high retention rate among students. To date, we have distributed 650 scholarships, continuing to make quality education accessible to those who need it the most.
Old and new middle school girl’s dorm in Oudomxay province, Lao P.D.R.. Photo: A Child’s Notebook
Innovation is at the heart of A Child’s Notebook’s approach to education. Recognizing the importance of holistic development, the organization has launched an innovative afterschool program targeting elementary and middle school students. This program, initiated in the 2021-2022 school year, focuses on improving math skills and Lao language literacy. Certified teachers work alongside students, delivering 90 minutes of tutoring each day. Regular testing using standardized scales, determined by the Lao Ministry of Education, helps monitor progress, allowing for programmatic adjustments. This forward-thinking approach to education not only supplements the elementary curriculum but also ensures that children have a well-rounded and enriched learning experience. A Child’s Notebook has plans to scale this program to 90+ schools, further expanding its impact on education in rural Laos.
Schools in Laos are severely underfunded. To increase attendance and retention of our afterschool program, ACN requested project proposals from schools to fund whatever they needed. These projects were an unexpected success of our programming. In 2022, A Child’s Notebook distributed $10,000 to 20 schools to support projects that enabled schools to use their lived experiences to develop community-based solutions. Several schools delivered the afterschool curriculum during lunchtime because many children had to travel a far distance to get back home after school. They provided lunch to children as well, as an incentive for them to attend as well as helping them focus. Another school utilized its community’s strength in agriculture to develop a community garden that helped to feed the children. Excess food was sold to other community members to fundraise for the school. As part of these community-driven projects, A Child’s Notebook will fund 40+ projects for community-developed ideas that help children gain access to food to improve their school and afterschool performance.
Agriculture program and Gardening project in middle school, Oudomxay Province, Lao P.D.R.. Photo: A Child’s Notebook
Partnerships
A Child’s Notebook’s success in advancing SDG 4 is in large part due to their partnerships with local communities, leaders, and educators. By involving village leaders in the planning and construction of schools, the organization ensures that the facilities meet the specific needs of each community. This community-centric approach fosters ownership and sustainability, making the impact of their work lasting and transformative. Additionally, their collaboration with in-country staff and teachers in scholarship distribution and the implementation of afterschool programs highlights the importance of local expertise in achieving quality education. By working together with local stakeholders, A Child’s Notebook creates solutions that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and contextually relevant.
New water tower funded by A Child’s Notebook and built by villagers for a primary school in Khammouane Province, Lao P.D.R.. Photo: A Child’s Notebook
Challenges
While A Child’s Notebook has made significant strides in promoting quality education in rural Laos, they also face certain challenges. The organization recognizes that there is still much work to be done in ensuring that every child in the region has access to education. Financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, and the need for ongoing teacher training are among the challenges they confront. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the importance of adaptable solutions in the face of crises. A Child’s Notebook is committed to addressing these obstacles and finding innovative ways to overcome them.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of SDG 4 – Quality Education, A Child’s Notebook stands as a beacon of hope in rural Laos. Their comprehensive approach, which includes infrastructure development, scholarships, and innovative afterschool programs, is transforming the lives of thousands of children, giving them the opportunity to receive a quality education. Through partnerships with local communities and a commitment to innovation, A Child’s Notebook is not only addressing the challenges of today but also building a brighter future for the children of Laos. As they continue their work, their dedication to quality education remains unwavering, inspiring us all to strive for a world where every child has the chance to learn and succeed.