Help us to make a major difference to a young person’s life and career
Lao Educational Opportunities Trust
LEOT DUO AT RATTANA BUSINESS SCHOOL
In a remarkable co-incidence LEOT’s first two students find themselves together at the Rattana Business School. Both young men have experienced remarkable journeys to reach their present positions.
The last eight years have been a roller coaster ride for the likeable and hugely energetic Touy. Born into a
moderately successful family. He suddenly found himself at the age of fifteen having to support himself separated from both his parents. Touy got on with life and with the help of his Uncle found work at a local cafe and continued to find time to study. But earning $20 a month and facing annual college fees of over $150 his situation was untenable. Even with the help of LEOT paying his tuition fees, life was hard. He worked from 6 am to 6pm to keep himself. Then rushed off to college to study his classes then work deep into the night before getting up to start work at 6am. With great determination he completed his initial course and was awarded his Diploma. Now the dark days seem to be past. His family is re-united and starting to re-establish itself. With the continued support of LEOT Touy has just enrolled at the Rattana Business School. He still continues to work as well as study to support himself and his family.
Thongs story is just as remarkable. He was born in Northern Laos in 1985. His mother died when he was very
young. To support the family his father worked in Thailand. When he was ten his uncle encouraged him to join the local Buddhist temple as a temple boy. In this way he was able to receive an education. When old enough he became a novice monk in a remote Northern Temple. A visiting monk encouraged him to move to Luang Prabang where opportunities were better. He took the monks advice and moved to Luang Prabang where he started to learn English and also help others in the Temple to share in his knowledge. At twenty he was ordained a monk. He continued to study English at High Scholl and was awarded his diploma. It was at this time that Thong met a visitor. He was so impressed with the young man that on his return to England
he decided to form a charity to help the young people of Laos. The visitor was Alan Shiel the chair of LEOT the charity he formed.
Today LEOT not only support Thong and Touy but also a group of young men and women studying a wide range of subjects. Our aim is to widen our base of support in the UK to enable us to increase our support of the young people in Laos.
