Laos Clay School Project moving forward…
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The clay school project in Ban Naluang (a small village in the Nam Bak District, Luang Prabang Province, Laos) is still in progress. After the first group of volunteers, Tiger Trail had hosted 3 more volunteer groups came in to help us finish the basic structure. The last group left in mid-August 2011. Things didn’t go quite as planned… The situation was challenging with the rainy season significantly hindering our progress. But in the end, the volunteers and villagers did a wonderful job!
Despite the language barrier, communication between the volunteers and the villagers was happily managed either by sign or body language or help from the English speaking guide. There was certainly bonding and understanding of the goals everyone wanted to achieve!
When the last group left in mid-August, the foundation and the roof were finished! With the help of the villagers and the volunteers, temporary bamboo walls were built to create some protection from nature. At this stage, even without proper walls, the school can be used! The local government Education Office has also found a school teacher and classes are meant to start this month!
Next steps on this project:
The villagers are starting to make more clay bricks needed for construction of the clay walls. We are looking forward to hosting another group of student volunteers in late October to come help complete the walls, windows, doors, and final touches!
