Imagine a High School Without a Library?

The Van Village High School does not have a meeting hall or library because this region of Laos is extremely impoverished due to the heavy bombing during the Vietnam War, unexploded bombs littering its topsoil today and its high altitude, jungle remoteness. To build both buildings will cost $48,000 USD. Aqua Survey, Inc. (NJ-based) is collaborating with Stockton Presbyterian Church (NJ) to build both structures. Since June of 2022 we have raised over $34,000. With your help, we will begin construction and finish both buildings this year. Following are more school facts.

Van Village is located in Xamnaun District, Houaphan Province, northwestern Laos. Three ethnic groups called the Piasybudome, Piaphetbudome and Piaphommahasathan live in Van Village today.  The location of the high school has moved several times since 1962 but has been in its current location since 1992. The school has 298 students from 24 villages from a total of 6,000 villagers. The Van Village high school has 31 teachers and 11 classrooms, but the school has no library or meeting hall. A meeting hall is important hub for cultural, educational, social, celebrational and recreational activities. The library will instill confidence in reading, which is fundamental to learning, personal growth, and enjoyment.

Want to Help?

Send your check made out to Stockton Presbyterian Church and mail to 22 South Main Street, Stockton, NJ 08559. Please write on the memo line “LAOS.” Contributions are tax deductible. Or you could contribute through our Go Fund Me page. Feel free to contact the project’s organizer, Ken Hayes (908-347-4144 or hayes@aquasurvey.com)