The country of Laos is in a devastating state of poverty and the children of rural villages are suffering. Of a population of roughly 6 million, over half are under the age of 21. Increasing opportunities for literacy NOW, will have a substantial impact on Laos’ future!

The US bombed the countryside into oblivion (in secret) for nine years (at a cost of $2 million a day), a civil war followed, and a communist government is still in control. Drugs are illegal, yet rampant with opium sales still one of the country’s largest revenue generators. Land mines and unexploded ordinances (UXOs) left over from the war riddle the countryside and account for hundreds of deaths and amputations each year.

Access to books in rural villages is sparse. Some children have shared textbooks while others have never seen a book at all. Workers at Big Brother Mouse explain that many children don’t understand how books work:

“Look, you can turn the page and get more,” or “No, you don’t have to read the copyright page, it’s okay to jump ahead to the good part.”

Through the LibraryForLaos.org $5K in 5 Days campaign, books will be purchased through the non-profit, Big Brother Mouse, at an average cost of $1.80 a book. With your help, we can provide books and fund reading programs for schools in rural Laos.

Simply, inspire 100 people to donate $50 a piece. YOU can help change the landscape of literacy in Laos!

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