Pak Ou Village is perched on the banks of the Mekong River across from the Pak Ou Caves, a popular tourist destination. Many of the villagers earn their learning catering to the tourists; selling souvenirs, handicrafts and traditional Lao food. Many others are fishermen or farmers; growing sesame, peanuts and jobe's ear.

With no preschool program in place, they needed our assistance to provide this important head start for their children. In early November 2005 we secured sponsors. Later in the month, we signed the MOU and in January 2006 the preschool opened its doors to the preschool-aged children!

Pak Ou preschool is another fine example of how efficient our program is, and how we can deliver a completed preschool within weeks of securing funding.

Pak Ou village is located 30 minutes north of Luang Prabang on the banks of the Mekong River. Well known for its caves and picturesque cliffs, the village's caves house hundreds of ancient Buddhas. The village naibane estimates that 100 tourists visit the caves on a daily basis. The village only receives approximately 2% from the tourist entrance fees to the caves, while the government receives the balance.

The primary school was built about 35 years ago by an American organization. They wanted and needed a preschool program, as they understood the need for their children to begin learning at an early age. They were ready and willing to assist us in the building process.

We were moved by their passion and commitment to learning.