This project aims to have a positive impact on the development of Laos by increasing the choices, life-chances and employment opportunities of a diverse range of financially disadvantaged students. This is achieved through increased access to education. The GVI Trust aims to equitably support both males and females with English lessons, female-only classes, an array of scholarships, vocational education and training, as well as medical and basic needs support.
In Laos, opportunities for education are closely linked to socio-economic status. This is exacerbated for rural students. As a result, males commonly come to Luang Prabang to access opportunities available at the temples and to become Novice Monks. This is not an option for females. Girls face a unique set of barriers impacting their access to education and employment. Traditions and entrenched gender roles mean many girls forgo education to stay home and support their families and gender norms.
With community consultation, we identify youth, novice monks, lay males & females, without access to education & training & offer support to them in the form of educational opportunities. Providing scholarships to allow access to education for all and break down these social barriers. Funding from this project will go towards providing school uniforms and other costs associated to attending the local educational facilities.
By offering educational opportunities for disadvantaged, but highly motivated students, this project aims to increase the capacity of students to contribute to the economic and social development of their communities and their country. Ultimately, we aim to provide equal access to education, scholarships and employment opportunities for men and women so that they can meaningfully contribute towards the development of Laos. With local partners, we want to increase the number of students we assist
