A teacher's big dreams for children

Lamphay, 26, is a teacher by heart. He finished his teacher’s training in 2006 and volunteered to teach in Navanghyai Primary School. After two years, he became a full-time teacher at Naphansy Primary School which is two kilometres from Thapangtong town. 

Lamphay believes that knowledge can land a person a good job. 

“Rural children can have this opportunity if they are educated,” he says. “I want to take part in preparing the children’s future. That is why I chose teaching as a profession.” 

Through the years, Lamphay observed that the children’s school attendance is erratic. They often miss school to help their parents in the farm. The parents also did not see the importance of education. As a parent himself, Lamphay thought, perhaps the reason why they have this view is because not much attention is given to make the school conducive to learning. The children are not comfortable in the old facilities and the school lacks educational materials. 

Exciting things have changed the perspective of the students and their parents when World Vision, through Thaphantong Area Development Programme (ADP), repaired the school building. World Vision also provided school desks, chairs, blackboard and teachers’ tables. The teachers were also given trainings to enhance the method of their teaching. 

Little by little, parents began to appreciate and understand how education can shape their children’s future. 

“I have big dreams for the development of these rural kids. I want them to earn the knowledge they need to face their futures,” teacher Lamphay adds. 

Delighted by the new things and changes around him in school, 12-year-old sponsored child Khammany Phoummasan (Ouan), a Grade 5 exclaims, “I also want to be a teacher someday. I will study hard so I can teach other students in the village when I grow up.” 

“I would like to thank World Vision for the chance of being able to go to school again,” says Grade 5 student, Pheavah Phetsamone(Kai). Pheavah (Kai) skipped school when his parents can no longer afford his education. The family was greatly thankful to Kai’s sponsors who made it possible for her to continue her studies.