Our Mission & Vision
We aspire to make a meaningful impact in Laos by sponsoring the translation, illustration, publication, and distribution of captivating books. We understand the immense power of a single book, as it passes from one generation to another, touching countless lives in the process.
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Every step of our journey, from carefully selecting the perfect books to personally delivering books to remote villages will be thoughtfully documented on our website and Instagram. We are honored to collaborate with Big Brother Mouse Orphanage and School in Luang Prabang, Laos, as well as the Don Som Project in bringing this dream to fruition. By joining forces and supporting their admirable objectives, we can bring the joy of reading to those who need it the most.
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Big Brother Mouse is a Lao-based, Lao-owned organization. Since 2006, they've been publishing "books that make literacy fun!" In 2016, they opened Big Sister Mouse, a school on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, with students ranging from preschool to young adults. There they create a learning environment that is fun and satisfying, while also helping young people develop all their abilities, from reading and math and languages to life skills such as perseverance and cooperation.
We will be visiting both organizations AGAIN in November 2024, spending time volunteering teaching English (and adults) and reading to the children, and picking up books to take south to other villages. None of your donations are used for this portion of the endeavor - 100% of your gift goes to the printing, publication, and distribution of books or other goals outlined on this page.
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To transform our vision into reality, we need your support. The comprehensive process of translating, illustrating, printing, and distributing each book incurs costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the book. Additionally, we hope to establish at least one Drop Box/Free Library but increasing each village's access to books requires an approximate investment of $250. Our ultimate goal is to publish several books and organize multiple Book Donations ensuring that numerous villages can benefit from this impactful initiative.
Why Laos?
Laos is a Southeast Asian country bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and China, where the literacy rates for women can be as low as 68%. Up to 20% of children in Laos lack access to education altogether. Many of these young minds live in orphanages, while others reside in remote villages without access to a variety of books.
Together, we can change that.
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The Plan
Mark your calendars for November 2024, when we'll once again begin the process of distributing books - this time in Central and Southern Laos. The impact of your support will be tangible, and you'll witness the joy on the faces of children as they delve into the magical world of storytelling.
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Join us on this incredible journey and be a catalyst for change. Let's ignite a love for reading, one book at a time. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of children in Laos.
Please consider donating now and help us bring the gift of literacy to Laos! Together, we can create a brighter future through the power of books
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Important Note: 0% of donations will be used for travel or logistics to complete the process and visit the orphanage/school and deliver books to remote villages. That is personally funded. We're also making a personal contribution to the publishing and book distribution efforts.
Timeline of Events
2024
June-November
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Grow donations
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Answer questions
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Logistics
2024
mid-November
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Donations close, funds sent to Big Brother Mouse / Laos Literacy Project.
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Book(s) to be printed specified and logistics finalized.
2024
November 24-December...
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Visit Big Brother Mouse/Big Sister Mouse School (0% of your donations go toward this) and volunteer/work with children learning English and Lao.
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Delivering books to villages in need (to be determined, stay tuned)
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Confirmed: partnership on Don Daeng island, logistics and book delivery location decisions underway
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Confirmed: book delivery to Don Somm Champasak Province, Laos!
How Can You Help?
We welcome your participation in this incredible journey! Join us in making a difference by contributing in any way you can to our cause. It all started with a simple conversation among friends, where we recognized the immense strength of united efforts. We firmly believe that by joining forces, we can make a profound and lasting impact.
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Please know that every single penny raised will be devoted entirely to publishing and distributing books, enabling us to unlock countless opportunities for those who require them the most. We value transparency above all else, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive breakdown of all expenditures on this website.