By Chadapa S. | Documentation and Report Officer
Photo: AAT provided a scholarship to support a Lao girl in continuing her education.
Dear friends and supporters,
We would like to update you on our progress in the Build Brighter Future Project: Education for 50 Lao Girls. Thank you for continuing to support our girls through education, helping them build more independent futures free from exploitation and trafficking.
Throughout this year, AAT has continued our mission to support Lao girls with education and address barriers to education including poverty, unstable living situations, and forms of exploitation.
As of August, our education support has reached a total of 53 girls, including 29 continuing recipients whose support periods range from 1–9 years, and 24 recipients who have begun receiving our scholarships this year.
Breaking this down by education level: 5 girls are enrolled in tertiary education, including 2 who achieved exceptional academic results and secured scholarships to study abroad. This achievement AAT proudly celebrated as we also assisted them with the necessary paperwork and budgeting in furthering the important opportunities. The remaining 48 recipients are during their secondary and high school levels, with support covering food, learning materials, tuition, uniforms, and dormitory fees.
Updates from the girls we support
Mala finished her first year of Korean Language studies and will be starting her second year at the National University, while Ying is entering her second year in Finance and Accounting and preparing to volunteer with the AAT team, contributing her own experience to support other girls.
Mary, engaging with AAT since 2017, is now in her fourth year studying Chemistry at the National University. This period, she is completing a three-month internship with a mining company (between July and October 2026), gaining hands-on experience in mineral processing and laboratory research. This achievement shows a significant step for Mary’s future career!
Nana's story
AAT has supported Nana since 2025, after she was deceived by an exploitative employer in China. Seeking temporary work during her school break to cover her tuition fees, Nana accepted farm work recommended by a friend. However, after crossing the border, she discovered that the job involved an attempt to coerce her into prostitution. When she resisted, she was confined and deprived of food before eventually reaching the border and receiving assistance to return safely to Lao PDR.
Since returning home with AAT’s support, Nana has demonstrated strong resilience and determination. She completed Grade 12 with outstanding results and earned a scholarship to study in Vietnam. AAT is supporting her with documentation and preparation costs and has connected her with safe, age-appropriate work during school breaks.
Words from Nana,
"I have gained more courage, and there has been a change in me physically too, because I learned how to take care of and protect myself... I learned many things I didn't know before, and I'm thankful to AAT for bringing me to join the project."
Nana’s statement reflects girls’ strengths and determination for positive change, as well as the importance of the continued support and belief we have shown in their potential and future.
We at AAT are grateful to keep witnessing more girls accessing education, building strength, and moving toward safer, more stable futures on their own paths. Thank you for continuing to help create meaningful opportunities and hopes for the girls in our project.
With gratitude,
The AAT Team
Remark: **The girls’ names have been changed for privacy and confidentiality.
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