> I have returned from Laos where there is a new attitude brewing, one that I
> would like to share with you. I took a risk to return to a country that I
> had to leave when I was but a little boy, but did not forget.
>
> There was something greater than apprehension or concern for my personal
> comfort that I needed to discover for myself.
>
> Those who are familiar with my desire to get support to build a library in
> Nong Het have been met with genuine doubts to help a country that we all
> had to leave. We all need to look beyond the politics and realize our
> efforts are to help innocent children.
>
> In order for me to have a better understanding of the needs and conditions
> in Laos, one needs to visit the home front in order to speak to you with my
> own experience and not that of others.
>
> I will report the result of my trip to Laos by subject matter beginning
> with the status of the Phonsavan Library.
>
> Contrary to the many rumors of its ruin, the Phonsavan library is in fact
> intact and functioning, albeit, under-funded. The beautiful library is a
> clean and well maintained building for which the Hmong Founders should be
> proud of.
>
> History.
>
> The library was completed in 1996 as a result of the vision of several
> hundred Hmong Donors. The Donors List is still proudly displayed on the
> library wall. The Founders of this project were truly visionaries; ahead
> of their time. They accomplished something wonderful during very
> tumultuous times. Their leap of faith is far from being viewed as a
> failure. Instead it is considered and seen as a first step of goodwill to
> help a need for many and not to further any personal gains. At its
> completion, the library was stock with several thousand books and a
> computer. If any one of you out there were members of this project please
> feel free to chime in.
>
> Reasons for the Library's perceived demise.
>
> The site location of the library is outside of the main district and not
> in close proximity to any existing schools. It was difficult for students
> to visit.
>
> At the time of its completion, the library did not have any electricity.
> Thus a generator was needed.
>
> Long term operating procedures and accountability issues were only in the
> early stages of implementation.
>
> A public awareness strategy for the library had yet to be implemented.
>
> Shortly after the library's dedication, the computer and generator
> mysteriously disappeared. Giving rise to critics, "See, I told you so."
> As these words permeated back to the donors, all funding ceased; leaving
> those in charge in a financial quandary.
>
> The account of this testimony was verified in a separate discussion with
> the Official Interpreter who was present at the initial library dedication
> ceremony.
>
> I met with the Director of the Department of Culture and Information of
> Xieng Khouang Province and the Head Librarian to identify the library's
> current status and to assist them in implementing workable solutions.
>
> The library currently operates on a budget of $5 per month to keep the
> electricity and water running.
>
> Readership decreased considerably since the library has not received any
> new books for the past several years. This was confirmed by students that
> I met in town as I investigated any misconceptions. Most students told me
> they haven't been using the library because there is nothing new to read.
>
> Currently, there are about 3,500 books on the shelves. Most of the books
> are in Thai and English with just a few Russian and Vietnamese books lying
> about. Primary school books and science books in English are the preferred
> books. Most Russian books are boxed up as no one has any use for them.
>
> Ninety percent of the library patrons are Hmong.
>
> The librarian informed me that most citizens are not aware that the
> library is free to the public. They do not visit because they are afraid
> that they cannot afford the fee.
>
> A new computer has been donated to the library but the staff lacks the
> operational knowledge and funds for Internet preventing its full
> utilization. Internet runs about $20 per month.
>
> Initial Solutions.
>
> Dr. Langworthy on the spot donation of $50 almost doubles the library's
> annual budget, and helps to replete the much needed office supplies.
>
> I have paid for and arranged with Madam Nettavong, Director of the
> National Library, to ship 20 cases of English children's literature
> donated by Chuck Theusch from the National Library in Vientiane to
> Phonsavan.
>
> Accountability and record keeping of the funds and books donated is to be
> done. This request will be done by the head librarian of Phonsavan and
> Madam Nettavong. They have agreed to provide a list and the records before
> the next visit.
>
> To develop an awareness of the library, I have outlined a grass root
> campaign to the head librarian and the Deputy Director of Culture and
> Information of Xieng Khouang. A community outreach program will begin with
> a visit by the head librarian to every school in the area. He will read a
> book to the children and inform them that this book and many more like
> them are at the library and is free of charge.
>
> An outline of the Unified library system was discussed and explained to
> them. Shared resources between the Phonsavan library and the soon to be
> built Nong Het Library will link the entire route 7 corridor.
>
> I was asked by the Deputy Director of Culture and Information, Vientiane
> District, to propose to Madam Nettavong that a TV program addressing
> literacy and libraries be produced with available grants from the
> Japanese. A TV program to be aired nationwide can reach the masses. I
> have verbalized his request to Madam Nettavong.
>
> Future Actions.
>
> I am asking each and everyone, if you truly want to help the Children in
> Northern Laos, to seriously consider donating to this library project. As
> you can see, a small amount of money goes a long way. Just one of you
> pledging $20 to $50 dollars will get books into the hands of students.
>
> I am asking for your financial help. You can make a donation and request
> specifically how you want it spent. www.libraryoflaos.org
>
> In the future, I will be asking for volunteers to travel to Laos and teach
> seminars in your area of expertise whether it be agriculture, math, the
> sciences, computer or engineering. We owe it to our brothers and sisters
> left behind. This is helping each other without the politics.
>
>
> Chong
>
>
> More to come. Next is the status of the Library of Nong Het. Pictures
> will be posted soon and I welcome any questions.