About
Reducing barriers to education in Southeast Asia
Partnering to improve educational opportunities for some of the poorest communities in the world
Studies have long proven the link between a lack of education and poverty. In response, governments may prioritize education through policies intended to reduce poverty for their citizens.
Unfortunately, policies alone cannot remove the educational barriers facing people in remote areas where even the most basic resources are scarce. These are places where nonprofit organizations can truly change the world.
In some of these communities, A Child’s Notebook is working with local residents to make education a reality for their children.
Learn more about the work of A Child’s Notebook in this video.
Our Mission
A Child’s Notebook partners with local communities, investing in the lives of children in Southeast Asia.
Our Vision
All children have access to a quality education.
A new building for Sokxay Middle School. The former building had a leaky roof, no walls, and a dirt floor. Students and parents have expressed a great deal of gratitude, although villagers from nine communities provided all of the planning and labor.
Communities work together to develop proposals, manage projects, and provide labor to build and maintain schools and improvements, often in tandem with farming, childcare, and other full-time responsiblities.
A unique partnership process ensures local ownership and long-term commitment
In Laos, many village schools in remote rural areas lack basic necessities. Nearly all are poorly constructed, and most have no water supplies or sanitary facilities. We listen closely to the people in our partner villages to determine what needs and priorities will help more children attend and complete school. Then we work closely with community elders and residents to provide what they need most.
At a Child’s Notebook, our process of active listening and continual evaluation helps us identify new opportunities and ensures that every donation provides the greatest impact possible.
Improving schools and learning
Buildings
It is not uncommon for students to study in school buildings with a dirt floor, no windows or doors, and, often, no toilets or running water.
Latrines
Many rural villages in Laos have no access to hygiene or sanitation, and girls often miss school or dropout after they start menstruation.
Clean Water
In rural Laos, access to treated drinking water is rare. Most school buildings also lack latrines or reliable water supplies for hand washing.
Scholarships
Scholarships allow children, especially girls, to continue their studies when their families cannot afford tuition.
After School Programs
After school programs help students improve their skills, especially in mathematics and the Lao language. Snacks and school supplies may be provided to help students learn.
Dormitories
Secondary schools may be hours away from home, a dangerous daily walk, especially for young girls. We help provide safe dormitories so children can live near their schools.
Teacher Support
We provide small stipends and pay teachers to provide after school instruction so they can stay in our partnering villages and spend more time in the classroom.
Our newest partnership supports migrant education on the Myanmar border
Where Myanmar borders Thailand and Laos, multiple generations have been displaced by political unrest. Migrant families move often to find safety. Their children lack official documents and struggle with language. To serve these children, we work closely with community organizers to address barriers that prevent them from getting an education.
Working with Partners Asia, we support community-led initiatives for children displaced by Myanmar’s political unrest, helping with official IDs, language classes, and other educational support.
Migrant teens take care of younger students, helping them with homework, serving as translators, and the ensuring safety of those receiving educational support.