Friday, December 18

The official opening of Viengkham Secondary School

The big day is here and 7:30 am found us on the bus headed to Ban Viengkham. For the first time, we were accompanied by a large number of donors from all over the world - Britain, USA, Singapore, Laos and 4 provinces in Canada! We entertained each other on the long bus ride with songs sung in Mandarin, Lao and English!

The school children were lined up ready to greet us and offer bouquets of flowers. Major donors were honoured with plaques which were placed in the school. The Yap family presented the students with 340 textbooks, school supplies and sports equipment - a very generous donation on top of their financial support. The District Department of Education representative and school officials expressed their appreciation and made a commitment to maintain the school in future years. 

Guests enjoyed the authentic Lao luncheon and dancing which followed the inauguration ceremony.

Later that evening, the Yap family hosted a dinner for SKL representatives. In a short time, we have forged a strong relationship with these delightful and generous people. During the dinner, the family presented us with their very significant donation for the next school. We are most grateful and are encouraged as we start to plan for the next School for Kids in Laos project!