We will be in Luang Namtha in mid-January. Staying at the Boat Landing Inn; understand that there is a nearby school which can be visited. We plan to bring low tech school supplies and will also buy books at Big Brother Mouse prior to visiting school. Has anyone visited this school recently? If yes, pls. advise as to school suplies they might require.
1
monikaszy
I was to LN just few days ago and visited big mouse. They are very helpful. What kind of supplis yu mean? Maybe it can be bought just in the town and there's no need to carry it with you from wherever you come? Why don't you just contact Big MOuse. they have website. I have an email of the LN branch but not with me. let me know if you need it, will send it to you. If you're plannig to trek from LN there's plenty of villages where people are lovely, especialy kids, not spoiled by tourism yet and I its good to have some crayons, papers, books with you to give to the school in the village (even each of Akha villages have a small school). Hope ou gonna enjoy your stay in norht laos as much as I did!
monika
2
somsai
Hi Winterhawk,
You have a big heart.
I had a couple of thoughts regarding your generosity and getting the most good out of your buck or kip in this case.
Wait until you get there to buy anything. The market in Luang Namtha is well stocked and things are very cheap, you will also have the benefit of patronising the local merchants so your money will help support local businesses and all they employ, and all the places the employees spend their money.
I’d also wait until you talk to the owners of The Boat Landing when you get there. The owners of The Boat Landing are from Luang Namtha and have been involved in aid to the surrounding area for a very long time, they will know more than anyone how your generosity might best help the local population.
If I had to name only one place that I saw where people are in very bad shape it’s the children of Nammat Mai very close to where you are staying. It’s a relocated Akha village out behind the tipped over stupa across the highway from The Boat Landing. It’s on all the maps. When I was there last February the first season’s rice wasn’t adequate as they hadn’t the cleared land, there were a lot of children with swollen bellies. They do have a school as mentioned in #1.
Again I’d advise asking at the Boat Landing as to the most effective way to point your generosity.
3
winterhawk
Hello Monikasy and Somsai,
Thanks very much for the advice. Great idea about purchasing supplies at the Luang Namtha market! We will do this after discussing best items to buy with staff at The Boat Landing. We plan to trek to a number of local villages/valleys and the recently located one that Somsai identified. Try to bring basic school supplies to a number of them.
Monikasy, I have e-mail for Big Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang but would appreciate the e-mail for the Big Brother Mouse in LN.
Cheers
4
wanderingstraycat
hi winterhawk,
in the past there was an email address listed for the LNT office but seems like it has been taken down, only a phone no. left here. maybe you could try contacting the LPB or VTE office by email & ask.
'dry goods' section of LNT market should have what you need (exercise books, pens, chalk, etc). along the road from LNT town centre to the Boat Landing is the province's Teachers Training College, perhaps people there might know about the schools in the area too.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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