Repair of Water Supply Facilities and Other Facilities for Ano Upper Secondary School in Muang La, Oudomxay, Laos

The school is surrounded by high mountains, and 120 students and some teachers whose houses are far away are living in dormitories. Located on the top of the mountain, the school has poor sanitation facilities, compared with the number of people. In particular, the water supply problem added inconvenience to all the areas of their life. They draw water from a spring that is about 4 km [2.5 mile] away and save it in a water tank, but the existing plumbing is poor and outdated. And during the dry season, there is not enough water for daily living, so the students and teachers had to go down to the valley to bathe and fetch water. The valley 500 meters [0.3 mile] away is very steep and dangerous for students to come and go.

After hearing this situation through the Lao Front for National Construction, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation visited Ano Secondary School on October 9 to discuss support in detail. The members figured out the difficulties at the site, and decided to extensively repair the water tank and to connect water pipes from the water source to the school for stable water supply.

On the 27th, sixteen members departed from Vientiane to the school. After arriving at the school, they headed to the water source in the afternoon of the 28th. After investigating the route for the water pipes, they built a temporary dam to repair the water source, and connected pipes from the dam to the school. This work took three full days. Meanwhile, at the school, the existing facilities were renovated; the members repaired the run-down girls’ dormitory and restroom, and teachers’ dormitory as well. They also cleaned the water tank and made a cover to block out sunlight and dust

From November 1, the new outdoor shower facilities, which can be used as a wash place as well, began to be built in the lower position of the water tank. After five days of construction, they completed the repair and replacement of water pipes from the water tank to the restroom and shower facilities. Now, the students can freely use water in the clean facilities. For nine days of all the work, the students and teachers too gave a helping hand.

On November 6, the completion ceremony of the facilities was held at the playground of Ano Upper Secondary School. The donation ceremony was also held, where the WeLoveU members provided school supplies for the students. The members additionally donated blankets for all the students living in the cold high mountain area. The students responded with their surprise performances such as traditional Lao dance for their guests.

Somphavanh, Mayor of Muang La, attended the completion ceremony and said, “I’m grateful for your coming a long distance. Moreover, while no other organizations succeeded, you’ve completed the work so quickly that it’s hard to believe. I was very moved that you stayed in the tent for this volunteer work.” He asked for constant help.

Principal Bunmi Manisone expressed her sincere gratitude to the WeLoveU, saying, “It will be grateful if we are just able to drink water at the top of the mountain. However, now we are even able to take a shower freely. We can’t be happier. Since we have enough water, everyone looks lively and active.”