Literacy is one of the biggest concerns in Laos today. For one, books are not readily accessible and available for everyone to read. This is most evident in the remote areas of the country where children have limited sources of reading materials. Putting literacy to fore as a priority issue that needs to be addressed, Karlee Taylor launched the Laos Literacy Project. The 25-year old Australian volunteer noticed the lack of sufficient reading materials after being assigned to Nakai-Nam Theun which is a National Protected Area. This ushered her into a new mission.
Addressing the problem
After witnessing firsthand the lack of books in the remote area of Nakai-Nam Theun, Taylor came up with an idea. She then initiated a fund raising campaign that would allow her to gather books and distribute it to other remote locations in Laos.
With the help of concerned citizens and generous benefactors, Karlee’s campaign is gaining the attention it deserves. She said that her campaign would not only give others the chance to get their hands on reading materials but also to allow them to nurture their love of reading stories.
The initial goal
Reading is a way of learning about new things. With the establishment of the Laos Literacy Project, books that contains knowledge or written to entertain can be shared by many underprivileged communities.
The initial aim of the whole project is to disseminate the books to children that are located in remote areas. However, Karlee said that they would eventually cater to the reading needs of adults as well. In a statement given by Karlee in one of her interviews with Asia Pacific, she admitted that at first she thought the literacy problem in Laos could be easily solved. She has since realized how daunting the task could be.
Book parties
Since 2011, book parties have sprung and became very popular especially in the remote parts of Laos. The main purpose of these parties is to educate children through various activities. The very first book party held in 2011 ended with an overwhelming response. According to Karlee, most of the children they have visited in many remote places saw and used books for the first time during those parties.
The literacy project was instrumental in creating mini libraries spread across the remote villages they visit. Based on a recent count, each mini library consists of 200 books. This is already a huge number considering the dire situation that Taylor encountered when she first came to the country.
A day of fun and learning
Whenever a book party is held in one location, nearby villages are also invited to participate in the activities. Each session consists mainly of story-telling, art creation, songs, games, and of course reading, particularly the new books brought especially for the children. Karlee Taylor said that her campaign’s main objective is to promote the love of reading and literacy among the young Laotians.
Taylor is a member of the Australian Volunteers for International Development. As such, she is fully supported by her peers. Education is a priority of the Australian government’s support programs in Laos.
Photo Credit: Laotian Children Reading Books
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