In a remote village in northern Laos, a small Australian charity is making a significant impact on the lives of young students. Project Vietnam Inc, based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is spearheading efforts to renovate a derelict kindergarten building and upgrade facilities at a bustling school complex in Pak Mong, about 400 kilometers north of the capital, Vientiane. This initiative, driven by a deep commitment to education and community welfare, underscores the power of grassroots humanitarian aid in one of South-East Asia’s less-developed regions.
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A School in Need
Pak Mong, a village located roughly three hours’ drive from the historic city of Luang Prabang on the road to Nong Khiaw, is home to a growing number of students eager to learn. According to Project Vietnam Inc, a new school complex completed in 2024 serves high school, primary, and kindergarten students. However, with over 100 children now enrolled in the kindergarten alone, the existing three-room facility is struggling to accommodate the demand.
The original kindergarten building, abandoned after the new complex was built, has become the focal point of the charity’s latest project. Plans are in place to renovate this dilapidated structure in 2026, providing much-needed space for the youngest learners. Additionally, the project includes constructing a 65-meter-long picket fence and a masonry fence along the back boundary to safely separate kindergarten children from older students in the adjoining schools. 
Claire Simpson, publicity officer for Project Vietnam Inc, highlighted the urgency of the initiative. “The new complex includes a high school, primary school and kindergarten” she said. “But with more than 100 students now enrolled in the kindergarten, the three-room facility is overcrowded.”
Modest Upgrades, Big Impact
Beyond the kindergarten renovation, the charity is also addressing critical infrastructure needs at the primary school within the same complex. Volunteers plan to install ceiling fans and upgrade the electrical fuse box to ensure more reliable lighting—a small but vital improvement for classrooms in a region where power supply can be inconsistent. The estimated cost for these upgrades is modest, with a total budget of approximately A$8,200 (~US$5,500), including A$3,000 (~US$2,000) for the kindergarten and A$2,000 (~US$1,350) for the primary school enhancements.
What sets Project Vietnam Inc apart is its commitment to transparency and efficiency. Operating without an office or marketing expenses, the charity ensures that every dollar donated goes directly to the projects. “We do it because we care” Ms. Simpson emphasized, reflecting the volunteer-driven ethos that fuels their work. Funds are raised almost entirely by community members on the Sunshine Coast, and operations are run from home to keep overheads at a minimum.
Community Support Beyond Pak Mong
Project Vietnam Inc’s efforts extend beyond education. In another initiative in Nong Khiaw, a town further along the route from Pak Mong, six team members have begun work on a new accommodation building at the local hospital. This facility will house families of patients undergoing surgery or rehabilitation, providing a vital support system for those who must travel long distances for medical care. The project has seen enthusiastic participation from both paid and unpaid local volunteers, showcasing the community-focused spirit of the charity’s work.
The charity also welcomes donations of teaching resources and school books, ensuring that contributions have a direct impact. Ms. Simpson oversees the purchase and delivery of materials in the local area, guaranteeing that resources reach the children who need them most. “Our volunteers will complete the work over two weeks in 2026, with an estimated cost of just $5000,” Ms Simpson said. “That includes $3000 for the kindergarten and $2000 for the primary school. Every dollar will go directly into the project.” Ms Simpson said funds were raised almost entirely by volunteers and members on the Sunshine Coast, and all operations were run from home to minimise overheads. “We have no office or marketing costs,” she said.
A Call for Involvement
As Project Vietnam Inc prepares for its 2026 mission to Pak Mong, the organization is reaching out for new members and donors to join their cause. Their work across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos highlights the broader challenges faced by rural communities in South-East Asia, where access to quality education and basic infrastructure remains a persistent issue. For the children of Pak Mong, this project represents more than just a renovated building—it’s a chance for a brighter future.
As the charity continues to build bridges between distant communities, their efforts serve as a reminder of the difference that dedicated individuals can make. With every fence built and classroom improved, hope takes root in the hills of northern Laos.
