About us
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to volunteer programs that support educational initiatives in Luang Prabang. Our team is made up entirely of local Laotians who love teaching English and helping young people build brighter futures. Since starting in 2022, we’ve welcomed over 20 international volunteers who have joined us in making a difference. Through our training and guidance, we help Lao youth develop English skills that open doors to exciting job opportunities in tourism and access to higher education.
The Foundation
In 2017, we laid the foundation for our English education program by renting classrooms in the Buddhist school building at Wat Siphoutthabhat temple, located in the heart of Luang Prabang. We recruited three full-time Lao teachers to lead the program. Approximately 200 students attended regularly, eager to improve their English skills. Classes were held in the morning, at noon, and in the evenings. Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm and high demand from young Laotians, we expanded the program to offer full-time classes.
Launch of the Roots–Leaves Volunteer Laos Website.
In 2022 We launched the Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos website to inspire and attract volunteers to join our English teaching program. The website was developed during a challenging period, following the closure of our overseas partner organizations that had previously sent volunteers to support us. In response, we created this platform to reach a wider audience and continue growing our volunteer network. Since its launch in 2022, Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos has welcomed over 20 international volunteers who have actively contributed to our educational mission in Luang Prabang.
Growing Impact
Our community now operates full-time, offering English classes from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The strong reputation and quality of our teaching have spread by word of mouth, resulting in over 400 students enrolled. Most of our learners come from underprivileged villages and nearby communities, including young monks from Luang Prabang who join classes during school holidays. Others include members of the local workforce, as well as students from primary school to university. Regardless of their age, background, or education level, all our students share one common trait—a strong passion for learning English. Many attend classes daily, either before or after school or work, and even during their lunch breaks. Our program is currently run by seven full-time Lao teachers, supported by English-speaking volunteers. Occasionally, visiting tourists also contribute their time, offering short-term assistance and making a meaningful impact on the lives of young Laotians by helping them learn English.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create meaningful educational opportunities and community support in rural Laos through responsible volunteering, cultural exchange, and sustainable development programs. We aim to empower children, youth, and local communities by improving access to education, building skills, and strengthening local capacity.
Our Vesion
We envision a future where every child in Laos has access to quality education, where local communities are self-reliant, and where global volunteers work hand in hand with local people to build a brighter and more hopeful future..
Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals behind our work, driven by purpose and dedicated to making a lasting difference. Every member of our team is a local individual aiming to teach English to the youth of Luang Prabang. We employ qualified teachers because we believe they are essential to making a real difference in the lives of our students. By hiring them full-time, we can provide a structured English curriculum while ensuring stability and continuity in learning. All our teachers are locally trained professionals, holding degrees from Souphanouvong University or the Teacher Training College of Luang Prabang.
