A bit about us...
SKL Inc. was created in 2007, at the initiative of a group of ex-patriot Laotians. It is a Canadian registered charity ( 830245411 RR0001 ). While its central committee is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the organization has active supporters and committees across Canada and the world. All of SKL’s members are volunteers, meaning that every penny contributed to our endeavours goes directly towards our mission: that of building schools for children in rural regions of Laos who are in critical need of an adequate learning environment.
Funding for schools built by SKL Inc. comes from individual donations, and diverse initiatives such as garage sales, concerts and annual fundraising dinners. The villages selected for these projects were chosen according to these criteria:
Prior existence in dilapidated state
Presence of local full-time teachers
Responsible governance
Potential for growth
Rural regions and in a dilapidated state
With your assistance, SKL provides children with an adequate learning environment by rebuilding dilapidated schools.
Since we are all volunteers and commit any available free time we have to this endeavour, 100% of all funds go toward the construction of these schools - every cent counts!
Volunteer Board Members
François Tremblay - President
Thongsay Phanlouvong - Vice-President
Alexey Shatokhin - Treasurer
Setha Phanlouvong - Counselor
Jacqueline Markstrom - Secretary
Danielle Parent - Counselor
Olé Sonethavilay - Counselor
Ben Chang - Counselor
Liliane Lavack - Counselor
Goy Sengmany - Counselor
Ari Phanlouvong - Counselor
Board Members and contact in Laos
Viengphoukhanh Soutannouvong
Bounlay Chantathavong
About Laos
Laos is a landlocked, developing country in the heart of South East Asia. It is bordered by Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and China. The country has a relatively small population of 6.5 million made up of several ethnic minority groups. Laos is also the most heavily bombed country in the world. To this day, rural and remote villages are living with the fallout of the 1960′s Vietnam War.
Though not wealthy economically, Laos is abundantly rich in culture and traditions. Its people are very friendly and hospitable. But the population is relatively young and this puts a heavy burden on schooling. Because resources are limited, most schools are poorly constructed - usually of bamboo and thatch which deteriorates fairly quickly. Students often endure the rigours of the rainy season with barely a roof over their heads - not the most encouraging environment for learning!
SKL exists to provide safe, comfortable schools for children in poor rural areas of Laos. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in our current, rapidly changing, technology-driven world.
Your donations will help us make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Lao children and in the future of their country.
