"When we asked the students what they most wanted for the school, the answer was books."

Last year my good friends Tom and Julie Coash traveled in Laos. They found incredible scenery, amazing archeological sites, beautiful art––and the Lone Buffalo School. The school was founded in Phonsavan by Manophet, an inspirational man whose nickname was Lone Buffalo. He dedicated his life to helping others.

At the Lone Buffalo School, boys and girls study in English, play sports, and, sadly, take classes in Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) awareness. This is necessary because the United States dropped more ordnance on Laos during the Vietnam War than it dropped during World War II. Eighty thousand unexploded bombs are still a threat to the population.*

Students at the Lone Buffalo School in Phonsavan, Laos

Tom and Julie taught classes to the students while they were there. But they wanted to continue to help the students.

"When we asked them what they most wanted for their school, the answer was books. There are no English language books...no library of any kind. No way to take books home to practice reading and learn more about the world."

Julie and Tom wondered how to get books to these eager students? They decided to start the non-profit organization CARRY A BOOK TO LAOS to encourage anyone traveling to that wonderful country to do just that. They arranged for drop-off locations in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. They started a Facebook page:  CARRY A BOOK TO LAOS If you visit that page, you will find out more about the organization.

We all know the power of social media. These links have connected us in new ways and made the world smaller. Please like the page! Help pass along the word! It's an easy way to do a lot of good.

And if you are lucky enough to be traveling to Laos, take a book for the school.

Julie and Tom recently mailed boxes of donated books to the school. I was very pleased and proud to send along a few copies of my own.


* For source of these facts and more information, click this link:  UXO bombs in Laos