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Big Brother Mouse - Luang Prabang
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sianbevans
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Hello,
I am travelling solo for the first time in Laos and am spending a majority of my time in Luang Prabang (8 days). I would like to do a bit of sightseeing and some volunteering. I have come across the Big Brother Mouse website and was wondering about others' experiences with this organisation? I'll definitely drop in and help with conversational English while there but has anyone gone along on a Book Party visit?
Any feedback would be appreciated!
Cheers
#1 Posted: 8/7/2012 - 20:29
enday
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Hi,
I helped with English conversation 4 times at Big Brother mouse and highly recommend it!
Its all young adults so popping in to help out is better than something to do with children, I believe.
All the 'students' are very grateful for your time and help, particularly in the low tourist season when there are fewer travellers around.
I found out so much more about Laos from my conversations with the young people here. It is definitely worthwhile, simple help with pronunciation was the really valuable contribution I could make as most had quite a large written vocabulary in English (don't count on this being the case always) there is a shortage of native english speakers though, and education is very expensive in Laos so just having conversations is perfect for improving language skills!
Bring along pen and paper if you have them and have fun!
#2 Posted: 13/9/2012 - 08:35
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daawgon
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Another similar place nearby - Lenou's Library needs volunteers to help with English. Watch the video:
http://www.eidolonfilms.com/2011/10/06/lenous-library/
#3 Posted: 13/9/2012 - 12:03
Rufus
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BBM is a for profit organisation. Now there is nothing wrong with that, however i would prefer to donate money to Room To Read.
#4 Posted: 14/9/2012 - 01:49
enday
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Yep, money elsewhere I agree. Is room to read the public library? If not, the library also accept donations for their book boat and go to more remote villages than BBM.
But time, BBM or any place where you assist adults. At BBM all the people are there because they are making an effort to access english language skills to enhance work prospects.... and its really rewarding and fun!
#5 Posted: 14/9/2012 - 03:41
Rufus
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No, RTR is an organisation that supplies books to Lao kids. It is non profit.
#6 Posted: 14/9/2012 - 19:02
sianbevans
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Thank you everyone for the replies. I will take your advice on board and would like to visit both places.
Cheers.
#7 Posted: 16/9/2012 - 22:55
chopin
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hi, what is RTR?
are there any other similar non-profit language classes that we can help in LP? we'd be there in two weeks' time.
#8 Posted: 27/9/2012 - 04:49
wanderingcat
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RTR = Room to Read.
language classes - sometimes students invite foreign tourists they meet to their classes, but those are not non-profit places. there's also a programme that gets foreign volunteers to teach English classes in a few local schools, but that is a long term commitment with requirements to meet & screening of candidates.
for short-term drop-in, please see this: http://www.lao-kids.org/visiting-volunteering.php
#9 Posted: 27/9/2012 - 06:36
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