Volunteer in Childcare in Luang Prabang, Laos

Amazing experience with the Laos Program! I did not know much about Laos as a destination, but knew I wanted to see as much of SE Asia as possible, and avoid the heavily touristed spots. Luang Prabang was the perfect place! Beautiful architecture, the sweetest people, it was truly a magical place & experience.

My favourite moment was the programme. I enjoyed every single day of this programme, teaching and entertaining the young children was so fun! It was a massive eye-opener. I am half Laotian myself, and this was my first time visiting the country. To be able to volunteer and help the children of my country, whilst also being able to experience day-to-day life in Luang Prabang with the programme. To anyone who is hesitant about volunteering, just go for it! I was hesitant myself but I was in good hands with IVHQ, and the coordinators in Laos. You will receive all the support, and meet some lovely, helpful people whilst abroad. The experience is like no other, so if you are fortunate enough to volunteer, you definitely should!

I would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone and everyone! They are incredibly organised and always willing to answer questions no matter how big or small! I was feeling extremely nervous before leaving for my volunteer trip in Laos but I felt reassured knowing that IVHQ would help me out with anything I needed! Once I was over in Laos the volunteer group ‘Green Lions’ went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and ready. I couldn’t recommend visiting Laos more highly, the people and the culture is amazing!!

After arriving at my accommodation, I spent the weekend admiring the rise fields in front of my place and the green horizon, I was completely fascinated. I knew that this would had been a wonderful experience and I was right , my three weeks i Laos have enriched me a lot and had been full of intensity. Every morning i couldn't wait to arrive at school for my " Good morning teacher" said by lovely, cute and smiley faces. The kids enjoyed every activity and I taught them numbers, clothes, body parts and actions , we had games too and dancing at the rhythm of "head, shoulders, knees and toes", "the wheels on the bus" and "five little ducks" but also of " Despacito". Honestly I hadn't realised well the impact that the effort of volunteers had until my trip to Luang Prabang where, on the mount Phousy, me and the other volunteers had been overwhelmed by lao guys that wanted to practise their english with tourists. We asked them how they knew english that well and they answered us with shiny faces : thanks to the volunteers who come to teach us!. In that moment I realised the impact that volunteering has and evening if childcare is for sure different from the teaching programme we help little kids with basic english. In the afternoon after the shower time, so after the try of not loosing towels, baby powder and clothes( after few days i made my own strategy) there was the braiding time. It was quite challenging and there was no game "against" the local teachers and the little girls too but I improved my skills even in that field. At the end i became a rat of laboratory so that the little girls with making my hair could developed their creativity and sometimes invent new kinds of braids thanks to their efficient assistants, the little boys. I lived unmemorable moments and for all the last of my stay the local staff put as much effort as they could for ensuring to all of us ( the other volunteers and me) a wonderful experience. The food was amazing indeed I still miss my noodles and sticky rice. I had fun with volunteers from all over the world( Australia, China, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, France, Japan and Israel), we shared a lot of beautiful moments as the sunset after dinner that used to leave us speechless. They also became great travel-mates because of the trips on the weekends. Laos is a very safe country, on my trip i met several backpackers that were travelling on their own and I'm of the view that it's a country where you can travel alone in safety. Local people are kind and friendly especially when they notice that you respect their culture. The nature is wild and stunning, during the rainy season you have to deal a bit with the mud but it worth it!!!!I couldn't asked for something better and I'll volunteer again for sure. Be open, accept the challenge and go for Laos!

When I arrived to my accommodation I spent all the weekend admiring the rise fields in front of our place and the trees at the horizone coloured of a wonderful green. I knew that it was the start of an amazing experience and I was right , my stay in Laos has enrichened my a lot and it has been full of intensity. I met people and saw places that i will always keep in my memory. Every morning i couldn't wait to arrive at school for my " Goodmorning teacher" said but a lot of lovely, cute and smiley faces. The children were enthusiastic for all the activities , I taught numbers, clothes, actions and body parts alternated to games and dancing at the rythm of " head, shoulder, knees and toes" , " the wheels on the bus" and "five little ducks" but also of " despacito". I was sad thinking that they would never remember me but then on my trip to Luang Prabang on the mount Phousy , me and other volunteers have been overwhelmed by a plenty of Lao guys who wanted to practise their english with tourists. Some of them were really good at english so we asked them how they learnt and their shiny faces answered : thanks to the volunteer who come to teach us! Of course there are huge differences between the childcare programme and the teaching one but in that moment i realised that what we do in our little has a strong impact. After the shower time , so after the challenge of not to loose towels, baby powder and clothes ( after two days i found my strategy) , there's the braiding time. Really challenging there was no game against the local teacher and the little girls too but I've made my best and at end i improved my skills. At the end i became a rat of laboratory so that the girls making my hair could developed their creativity and sometimes invent new kinds of braids thanks to the help of their assistants , the little boys. I lived really unmemorable moments and during my time the local staff really put as much effort as they can for ensuring to me and all the volunteers a nice stay. The food was really good , I still miss my noodles and the sticky rice. I've met people from all around the world , there were volunteers from China, Israel, Netherlands, Portugal, Australia, France, Spain and of course from Italy( that's me)! I enjoyed my time with them , we shared several emotions as the sunset after dinner that used to leave us speachless, they have been also good travel mates on the weekend!! Laos is amazing , I felt really safe and on my trips I met several backpackers that were travelling on their own and I'm of the opinion that it's a country where you can really travel alone in safety. Local people are really kind and welcoming , especially if the noticed that you respect their culture. Be open, accept the challenge and go for Laos!!

This was the first volunteering experience and will not forget for the rest of my life. Something that I was longing to do for such a long time and finally become real with the help of a great organisation like IVHQ. Supported by them the organization of this mission was very easy and smooth, 6 simple steps and you are all set for your lifetime experience. The local references in Laos (Green Lion) are wonderful people who dedicated all their life in helping others and this is what they will do with you. Help you find your best way in helping and be suppportive to this incredible population. The Childcare program will give you the opportunity to help the teachers at the kinder garten taking care of the little kids, their openess and sweet eyes will remain with you forever. In the afternoon you can challenge your teaching skills by going to Schools were older kids are willing to meet you and play and study with you. Overall this experience will leave you so many positive vibes that you would want to experience it over again. Thank you to IVHQ and Green Lion for this opportunity and their great assistance. Laos is a wonderful country were to volunteer, do not hesitate.

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