News and updates from Don Som Project

On the 9th October 2026, we were invited to Ban Sot (on the mainland of our district) for their Teachers' Day celebration. Ban Sot is about 30 km away, and since we also had to cross the Mekong, we set off from Don Som around 7:00 AM. A flat tire early on was quickly fixed, allowing us to arrive in Ban Sot around 9:15 AM, just as the meeting was already underway. Several people took the floor to speak, as did we. Ivan—a long-term volunteer with the Don Som Project who runs his own organization in Italy supporting projects in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, among others—emphasized the importance of education and the work his organization (Rainbow - volunteer organization) does. Tanoi translated Ivan’s words into Lao. Sander also gave a short speech in Lao, reflecting on—among other things—his 2013 meeting with Tanoi in Ban Sot (at the secondary school, where we were helping build toilets), a meeting that eventually led to their marriage. He also expressed his hope that children would stay in school longer rather than marrying at a young age (a common occurrence in Laos). Once again, we provided some supplies to the Ban Sot secondary and primary schools. The items we presented included toilet brushes, soccer balls, rattan balls, chlorine, a soccer net, a speaker with a microphone, and brooms. In recognition of the assistance we provided last year (2025), we were presented with a certificate of appreciation. After the meeting (which featured traditional dances performed by the children), there were games for the kids, followed by a shared meal and drinks. We also handed over some medical supplies to the Ban Sot health clinic.

A huge thank you to everyone helping to make this possible! More photos on our Facebook page. 

We periodically publish a newsletter sharing our progress, upcoming goals, and ways to get involved. Interested in receiving the newsletter when we have a new one? Please send an email to: donsomprojectlaos@proton.me.

The last newsletter can be found here as well (JPEG/ photo files):

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