Hang Khone
Completed: September 2016
Completed: September 2016
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Background...
Located in the beautiful region of 4000 Islands, in the south of Laos, Ban Hang Khone is situated on the island of Don Khon, nestled between the smaller island of Don Det to the north and the Cambodian border to the south. Approximately 180km away from Pakse, the road is well maintained to the pier, where a boat will transport you to the island. The boat journey takes around 30 minutes and provides splendid views of many of the other islands. |
Some of the students who will benefit from the project waiting to welcome our volunteers
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Volunteers heading to the island (January 2015)
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A group arriving in the village (December 2014)
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There are 49 families in the community with a population of 312 people with the majority being of Lao Lum ethnicity. The school cares for 39 students and 2 teachers in a primary school where the ages range from 4-11. Being situated on an island in the Mekong River, the community largely work in fishing, as well as textiles and rice cultivation.
The island of Don Khon in wet season (2014).
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The history of Don Det and Don Khon is truly fascinating. During the period when this region was known as French Indochina, the French had to construct a railroad in an effort to traverse the numerous rapids and waterfalls (predominantly the Khone Phapheng Falls). The French influence is still evident today.
Learn more about the history here. |
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The Project:
To build three new classroom buildings to provide enough capacity to provide access to education for all those that need it.
To build three new classroom buildings to provide enough capacity to provide access to education for all those that need it.
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We hope to gain funding to be able to bring the project to fruition as early as possible. However, we are aware funding is sparse and relying on what we have available would give the project three stages over 18 months. 6 months per classroom, bringing each one to completion before starting the next. This is not ideal, however we are determined to support the community as best we can and remain optimistic of gaining support to speed up the process. Nonetheless, each stage will involve volunteers digging foundations, laying bricks, mixing cement and then plastering, painting and adding the finishing touches. The work will range from difficult labour, digging and lifting materials in the heat, through to more relaxed work with paintbrushes.
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Slideshow of the current wooden building which is falling apart. The village is need of a larger, well built structure.
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The local primary school is currently at capacity and falling into a state of disrepair. Termites are slowly but surely decimating the wooden framework, not only causing damage to the aesthetic quality of the building, but also over time this could bring into question the schools structural integrity. With a lack of staff members and not enough teaching space, classes tend to be of mixed age ranges. This is not only a difficult environment to learn in, but it is detrimental to the development of the children. We see a great opportunity to modernise the school through the construction of a new building. Larger classrooms, built with bricks and concrete as opposed to timber will stand for a generation. Not only will it enhance the education for the students currently enrolled, but it will also open the door to new students who currently don’t gain an education. It will become a hub within the community and within the island. Having been in discussions with the community for over a year, we are delighted to announce the project and believe it will greatly enhance the community.
The original building (November 2014)
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Volunteers and locals working on foundations (January 2015)
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Progress on the project (May 2015)
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Volunteers arriving onsite (July 2015)
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Our southern project in Ban Hang Khone, located in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) region is starting to take shape. The foundations have been laid and work will soon commence on the construction of the roof. Our volunteers from World Challenge will commence construction on the school walls and filling in the floor this July. This will involve some hard work in the high humidity and heat of wet season. The team will be staying in a local homestay located less than a hundred metres from the mighty expanse that is the Mekong River.
The view from the village, looking out towards the Cambodian border
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Village Run Foundation have generously agreed to collaborate with us on completing the project. This will enable us to complete the project quicker than first anticipated! The gallery below shows the state of the construction and the experience of some volunteers who participated in assisting locals with the build.
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Roof nearing completion (September 2015).
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The locals have been working hard with contractors to get the roof completed. Work has commenced on the construction of the inner and outer walls. Volunteers groups will be assisting the community in finishing off construction of the walls. As well as commence the final stage of the project. This will involve plastering and painting the walls, fitting door and window frames, as well as stocking the school with desks and chairs. |
Volunteers throughout December have been working on completing the school. Most of the walls have been plastered and the final stage of the project is underway. This will involve painting, adding furnishings and hanging doors and windows.
As of August 2016 volunteers have been finalising the school grounds. The new school path will improve accessibility to the school during the rainy season.
