Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs expand to Southeast Asia: Promoting knowledge and reading culture in Laos
On November 23, the Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs, in partnership with ITL Corporation, hosted a special ceremony at Chansavang Primary school, Sikhodtabong district, Vientiane capital, to donate books, scholarships, and UV-protection hats.
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The event marks a pivotal milestone in the program’s mission to spread knowledge and nurture a love for reading across borders.
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| Representatives of the Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs and ITL Corporation present books and gifts to students at Chansavang Primary School in Laos. |
A milestone in the journey of knowledge sharing
Since its inception in 2019, the Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs have been donating Vietnamese-language books to schools in Bolykhamxay Province, benefiting Vietnamese-speaking students. This year, in honor of the 42nd Anniversary of Vietnam Teachers' Day, the program reached a new chapter by donating Lao-language books for the first time to students in Vientiane's outskirts.
Facilitated by Ekphatthana Microfinance Institution (Laos) and supported by ITL Corporation alongside other benefactors, the programs gifted Chansavang Primary School with 645 book titles, 20 scholarships, and 50 UV-protection hats, amounting to a total contribution of USD 3,780.
Inspiring words and shared commitment
During the event, a representative of the Sikhodtabong District Education and Training Office highlighted the critical role of reading culture in enhancing students’ knowledge and learning capabilities. They also commended the Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs for their impactful and meaningful initiatives.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, Executive Director of The Compassion Books Program, shared:
“Both Laos and Vietnam face challenges in cultivating a strong reading culture. From personal experience, I understand that self-learning is the most effective path for underprivileged children to transform their lives. To learn independently, they must develop a reading habit from a young age. A love for books not only helps reduce issues like gaming addiction or overreliance on electronic devices but also empowers children to seek knowledge, build character, and establish a foundation for lifelong learning-key factors in shaping their future”.
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| ITL Corporation and ITL Laos representatives award scholarships to students. |
Mr. Do Duc Hao, senior manager of air cargo sales at ITL corporation, remarked:
“For many years, ITL has proudly partnered with the Kind Library initiative to bring books to communities across Vietnam. We are thrilled to extend our collaboration with the TSNA organization to broaden our community-focused efforts in Laos. Through this initiative, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to the growth and development of the Laotian community.
At ITL, corporate social responsibility is a core value that complements our daily business operations. Our leadership team is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and we are excited to work alongside TSNA to launch more impactful initiatives in the near future”.
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| The students beamed with joy as they held their new books. Alongside books in Lao, the program also included bilingual Vietnamese-English books to enrich their learning experience. |
Touched by the generosity of the program, Mr. Kongmany Soysomvang, the Principal at Chansavang Primary School, expressed:
“These books are more than just gateways to a world of knowledge; they embody the heartfelt care and support from Vietnamese benefactors for our students. We are profoundly grateful for this meaningful gift. Children, read widely and let these books help you grow and thrive”.
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| The students joyfully interacted with the honored guests. |
Bridging borders with humanity and knowledge
The Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs go beyond bringing knowledge to underserved areas in Vietnam. It actively promotes lifelong learning and cultivates intellectual and humanitarian values across national borders. Cross-border initiatives like book donations, scholarships, and cultural-educational exchanges underscore the program’s commitment to fostering solidarity, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for the younger generation to thrive globally.
With nearly a decade of impactful action, the Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs have become more than a philanthropic initiative. It serves as a cultural bridge, strengthening ties of friendship, knowledge, and collaboration between Vietnam and its regional neighbors, shaping a brighter future for all.
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| Members of the Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs by the Mekong River in Vientiane, with neighboring Thailand on the opposite bank. |
| The Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs are humanitarian programs in the fields of culture and education, under the Lifelong Learning Institution. Over the past 8 years, The Compassion Books program has mobilized, established, and donated a network of more than 27,000 bookcases (over 1.6 million books) to more than 3,200 schools and communities across all 63 provinces of Vietnam, as well as in some provinces in Laos. The House of Wisdom Program has also built and maintained over 300 lifelong learning spaces across 17 provinces and cities in Vietnam and 5 other countries (Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States), all free of charge. The Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom Programs have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions both domestically and internationally, including the 2023 Literacy Award from the U.S. Library of Congress, in the category of "Best practices honorees". |
