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Our Story

Empowering Communities Through Education
2017

The Foundation

We rented classrooms from the Buddhist school building at Wat Siphoutthabhat temple in the center of Luang Prabang and recruited 3 full-time Lao teachers to run it. The school counted approximately 200 students who came regularly for learning English with us. Classes were held in the morning, noon and evenings. The program was so successful among the young Laotians that we had to run classes full-time.

2022

Digital Expansion & Official Launch

Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos Organization was officially founded as a non-profit organization, designed to provide help to local people at a grassroots level. We launched our website to encourage volunteers to join and contribute to the English teaching program. This was created during the difficult time after our overseas partner volunteer organizations closed their offices to send volunteers to support us. Since launching, Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos has had more than 20 volunteers participating in the project from around the world.

Today

Growing Impact

Our school runs English classes full-time from 08:30 AM to 07:00 PM. The quality and popularity of the English classes generated word-of-mouth, and there are over 400 students enrolled in classes, most of them coming from the poor villages, monks of the surrounding Luang Prabang to learn English during the school holidays, with some from the local working community. Attendees also include university, college, high school, and primary school students. The school currently runs full-time with 7 Lao teachers, assisted by English-speaking volunteers and walk-in tourists.

Our Impact in Numbers

400+
Active Students
7
Full-time Lao Teachers
20+
International Volunteers
10.5
Hours Daily Classes

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide high-quality English education to local communities in Laos by empowering young Laotians and helping them develop their skills and potential. This approach is essential for creating long-term, sustainable development and reducing poverty, ultimately giving them greater opportunities to succeed.

Our Team

Meet the passionate individuals behind our work—driven by purpose and dedicated to making a lasting difference.

Somsouk
Somsouk
The Founder
Originally from Luang Prabang, Somsouk is the founder of Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos and director of our community. He graduated from Luang Prabang Teacher Training College and has over 9 years' experience working in a travel agency. During his youth, he received support from sponsors to go to school, which inspired him to dedicate his time to setting up this organization to support local students who have very little chance at getting quality education.
Phonevanh
Phonevanh
Office Manager
Born in Xieng Khouang province in northeast Laos, Phonevanh graduated from Souphanouvong University. While studying, she worked part-time as a waitress and hotel receptionist. She started working at Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2022 as office manager. She enjoys meeting new volunteers from different parts of the world and exchanging knowledge and ideas with them.
Khone
Khone
Volunteer Assistant
Born in a small village in Viengkham District, Khone graduated from Souphanouvong University. She joined Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2022 as a Volunteer Assistant. She helps volunteers with orientation, understanding of the project, and any assistance they need to make their experience at school and in Luang Prabang meaningful, valuable, memorable, and enjoyable.
Sombai
Sombai
English Teacher
From Nambark District, Sombai received a government scholarship to study at Souphanouvong University. She started working at Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2022 as an English teacher. She is a funny girl who enjoys working with volunteers from around the world to support the school. She loves helping people have a better life and improve her students' futures.
Xai Bouavone
Xai Bouavone
English Teacher
Born in the small village of Xiengngern, she came to Luang Prabang city to continue her studies at Souphanouvong University. As a student, she used to teach English to young kids. She joined Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2023 as an English teacher. She loves reading, writing, speaking, and listening to English podcasts. Being a teacher is her dream job and she loves sharing ideas and helping other people.
Bounmee
Bounmee
English Teacher
Bounmee started working at Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2014 as an English teacher. He graduated from Souphanouvong University and loves teaching. He enjoys meeting volunteer teachers from different countries and gaining knowledge and new experiences from them. He hopes that English will help young Laotians find good jobs and opportunities in their lives.
Mock Phongsavath
Mock Phongsavath
English Teacher
Mock graduated from Souphanouvong University in the Faculty of Education. As a third-year student, she volunteered at Sister Mouse Primary School for seven months. She has worked with us as an English teacher since 2024 and truly loves this job. In her free time, she reads English stories, listens to English music, and learns English by herself to improve her teaching skills.
Metmouk
Metmouk
English Teacher
From Luang Prabang, Metmouk graduated from Souphanouvong University. She began teaching English at Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in 2024. She loves reading, helping kids, socializing, watching movies, and experiencing new things. Her passion for education and community service makes her a valuable member of our teaching team.
Luni
Luni
Business Manager
Luni is responsible for designing business expansion plans and new opportunities in line with long-term growth strategy. Devising an effective marketing strategy and leading all online and offline marketing activities for the company. She loves food and is also an avid traveler and has travelled to over 25 countries.
Sahil
Sahil
Head of Operations
Sahil heads the program operations at Volunteering Solutions since 2008 and spends most of his time working in tandem with the project partners and staff all across the world. He has himself travelled across different program countries and is happy to answer any questions that volunteers have.
Sarah
Sarah
Program Advisor
Sarah is an avid traveler with extensive experience exploring Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her journeys have deepened her cultural understanding and fueled her passion for new experiences. From immersing herself in diverse communities to supporting animal welfare initiatives abroad, her travels reflect her adventurous spirit and commitment to meaningful global engagement. She has volunteered abroad in Romania, South Africa, and other destinations.

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