Khonevat is located northeast of Vientiane, in the province of Xaysomboun, Longxan district. The journey to Khonevat was a testament to the dedication of the SKL team and our supporters. Despite a challenging four-hour drive over poor roads (250 km), the inauguration of the 10th school construction project was a vibrant celebration, attended by donors and friends from around the globe, including the United States, Canada, Malaysia, and Laos, as well as local dignitaries.

This five-classroom school not only meets SKL’s high standards but also serves as a beacon of hope for the community. Special thanks to our contractor who not only delivered an excellent facility but also provided a valuable workshop on basic maintenance to the community. Among the major donors, our friends at VidDay and their representative Jérémie Brémault, were deeply moved by the community's warm reception and the impactful ceremony.

A lot to say about this adventure

During the project's implementation period, the context at all levels—national, regional, and local—was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. Nationally, the government implemented stringent measures to control the virus's spread, including lockdowns and social distancing mandates, which profoundly affected the project's operational dynamics. Some of our schools have even been used as quarantine places for the population.

Regionally, the pandemic exacerbated existing supply chain issues, leading to delays in the delivery of some construction materials and equipment needed for the project. Our collaboration with partners faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with the complete shift to digital communication. Adapting to various digital platforms required an adjustment period for some team members.

To address the challenges of remoteness and connectivity for SKL representatives in Laos, we explored and utilized various communication platforms (phone calls vs. Zoom) and addressed remote collaboration issues by employing asynchronous communication (emails) to facilitate timely input. The contractor provided regular progress updates to both the committee and the local inspector. Following the project's completion in December 2023, the SKL team conducted a thorough inspection of the newly constructed school to assess the work's quality and completion.

The village chief and the school principal saw the construction of the new school building as a symbol of hope and progress. They actively participated in every phase of the project, from planning to execution, demonstrating extraordinary commitment by directly contributing to the construction efforts.

Their personal investment in the project became a story of self-reliance and community transformation. They have moved beyond their formal roles, embodying the spirit of the project and its potential to change lives. Their stories are a testament to what can be accomplished when the community is genuinely invested in the well-being of children.

Effective cooperation between SKL, partners and the local village was needed to align goals and foster collective engagement. The ability to revise plans, adopt flexible strategies, and view setbacks as learning opportunities was critical to maintaining progress.

This project has transformed the educational landscape for children in rural Laos, providing them with new resources to succeed, in addition to a desire for lifelong learning. The lasting impact of this project is based on its ability to create a constant interest in education and a search for autonomy. This project went far beyond its immediate scope.