The day was filled with a variety of fun and educational activities, including games, such as blowing up balloons until they burst; passing flowers around a circle until the music stopped; and a memory game in which each person in the circle had to say their name and something they liked, and then each person had to remember and say what those before them had said also! They also learned an active English song and a dialogue in English in which they had to move around and practice with others. Several young people and older adults shared their own school experiences and advice about how to learn well and learn through helping others.

The lunch break included bread, lettuce, fried eggs, and tomatoes for making sandwiches, a new experience for many. The food was spread out on banana leaves to model not creating more garbage. After lunch, the party continued with more games and then a time of sharing, which focused on the commitment and love of parents in supporting a student’s education, and the impact this should have on a student’s commitment to be grateful and study hard. In response to the discussion, 8 students pledged to be better students in the future, including two high school students.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. II Thessalonians 2:16-17

A student from one of our target villages said “Someone came to my village and agreed to help me study in high school in town. Their support and this day has been a big encouragement to me.”

Another student who had been struggling with the loss of both his father and baby brother was lifted up by the event, saying “I had some problems recently, and felt discouraged to study, but this activity helped encourage me to continue to study and finish high school this year.”

At the end of the program, we split into two groups and provided a public service by cleaning up garbage around the Nam Nga bridge and the district meeting hall.

For Maem, it was special to be a part of a group of people excited to help organize the event. Everyone was a volunteer and all of the funds were donated by members of the community and project staff. Maem’s heart told her to do something for others using what she knew and what she had to offer and this desire was fulfilled on that day. She got great satisfaction from seeing the enthusiasm of all involved, especially the students.

Blessings,

Mike Fennema

Country Consultant 
World Renew Laos

details provided by Maem Munlom & Carolyn Dean