Mai's a very bright kid, he wanted an education in the hope of a different life, he comes from a subsistence farming community, like the majority of Laos people. There is no high school in his village so he made the sacrifice of leaving his family and village to follow his dream. 5 years ago he came to Luang Prabang to become a novice monk and to complete his secondary education. In the UK education if free for everyone, in Laos it's a luxury.
Mai has just finished school, he graduated with the highest score in the region and now would like to study to become an English teacher. It was looking like he would have to return home as his family could not afford to pay for university fees but a sponsor has agreed to pay his fees and living cost for the next 3 years, £500 a year. He is so excited!
He's already found his place to live, a huge contrast to my new home, it's a 3x2 meter concrete box, he's sharing with his best mate nani, there's a communal toilet and kitchen. He's so chuffed to be given the chance to go to university, he invited Karen and I around to show us his new home, went to buy some new glasses so he could give us a drink, great host
Karen, is passionate about helping more young people to have an education. Karen and I are setting up a project to raise funds to support people like Mai, so watch this space
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