Our Story
After spending 9 years working in the tourism industry and earning for his family, Somsouk wanted to do something to help the young people around him get a better life and do the same for their family.
2017: We have rented classrooms from the Buddhist school building in the temple to teach English to the young people of Laos. Many come from very poor families who subsist on rice farming and lead extremely challenging daily lives. Some are monks and novices from the local Buddhist temples, while others are from the local working community. Attendees also include university, college, high school, and primary school students.
Today: Our community runs English classes full-time with seven Lao teachers. There are over 300 students enrolled in the classes. The community is running by volunteers, and we receive no funding from the government or outside sources to support the community. For this reason, we launched a website for Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos organization to encourage volunteers to join and contribute to the English teaching program in Luangprabang. Since launching in 2022, Roots-Leaves Volunteer has had more than 50 volunteers participating in the projects from around the world.
Our Mission
Our goal is to provide high-quality English teaching to the local people of Laos by working with young Laotians and develop their skills and potential, it is key to providing a long-term solution to sustainable development and poverty reduction. so, they can have better opportunities to succeed.
Our Team
Our team is comprised of experienced professionals, with a genuine passion for travel, cultural exchange and development issues. Each member of the team brings with them specific knowledge and skills to work with volunteers.
Somsouk
The Founder
Somsouk, originally from Luangprabang, he is the founder of Roots-Leaves volunteer Laos. He graduated from Luang Prabang Teacher Training College, He used to work with travel to teach volunteer organization for 4 years and he has more than 9 years’ experience working in a travel agency, giving him valuable experience interacting with people from all over the globe. During his youth, he was able to get support from sponsors to go to school, and this inspired him to dedicate his time setting up this organization to support local students who have very little chance at getting quality education.
Phonevanh
Office Manger
Phonevanh was born in XiengKhoung province. It is in the northeast of Laos.
She graduated from Souphanouvong University. When she was studying at the university, she had part time jobs, she worked as a waitress in a restaurant and also a receptionist in hotels. Phonevanh started working at Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2022 as an office manager. She likes meeting new volunteers who come from different parts of the world and enjoy exchanging knowledge and ideas with the volunteers and having new experiences with them.
Khone
Volunteer Assistant & Teacher
Khone was born in a small village in Viengkham District. After graduating from Souphanouvong University, she needed to expand her knowledge and grow her capacity to teach all levels of English. She joined Roots-Leave Volunteer Laos in 2022 as a Volunteer Assistant and she also teaches English to children. She will help volunteers with orientation, understanding the project , and any other assistance volunteers may need to make their experience at school and in Luang Prabang meaningful, valuable, memorable, and enjoyable.
Bounmee
Volunteer Assistant
Bounmee graduated from Souphanouvong University in 2021. He was born in Xayaboury Province. After graduating, he worked at an English center as an English teacher , teaching all levels of English. He has joined Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos since 2023. After years of working for the organization, he has a deep knowledge of the volunteer programs and works as the Volunteer Assistant for Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos. He will help volunteers with orientation, understanding the project , and any other assistance they may need to make their amazing experience in Luang Prabang meaningful, valuable, memorable, and enjoyable.
Xai Bouavone
English Teacher
Miss Xai Bouavone was born in a small village called Xiengngern. After she finished high school, she came to Luang Prabang City to continue her studies at Souphanouvong University. While she was a student at the university, she taught English to young children. She joined our community in 2023 as an English teacher. She enjoys reading, writing, speaking, and listening to English podcasts. Being a teacher is her dream job, and she loves sharing ideas and helping others, which is why she enjoys teaching.
Kor Yang
English Teacher
Kor Vang is from Luang Prabang; she graduated from Souphanouvong University. In 2024, she started teaching English in our community as an English teacher. She loves reading and helping children. She enjoys socializing, watching movies, and exploring new experiences.
Sombai
English Teacher
Sombai is from Nambark District. She received a government scholarship to study at Souphanouvong University. She started working with us in 2023 as an English teacher. She is a fun girl and enjoys working with volunteers from around the world to support the school. She loves to help people have a better life and improve her students’ futures.
Douaxiong
English Teacher
Doua Xiong graduated from Souphanouvong University in the Faculty of Education. When shewasa third- year student, she volunteered at Sister Mouse Primary School for seven months. After that, she has been working for us as an English teacher since 2022, and she really loves this job. In her free time, she usually reads English stories, listens to English music, and learns English by herself to improve her teaching skills.
Mok
English Teacher
Mok graduated from Souphanouvong University in 2022, and she joined us to work in 2023. She truly loves teaching and enjoys her job. She is happy to meet volunteer teachers from different countries, and she is delighted to work with them, gaining knowledge and new experiences. She hopes that English will help young Laotians find good jobs and opportunities in their lives. She is very happy and encourages the new Lao generation to learn English.