The Wobbling Sprocket

It’s been a while coming, but the Grand Opening of the new school in Vangtang Village is at hand. Hats off to Howard Stauffer, The Arcata Sunrise Rotary Club, Eureka Rotary Club, Hans Eide, Ben Fairless, Ken Phetsayphone and others for making it happen.

Howard, his daughter and some others are in SE Asia right now to attend the Grand Opening ceremony which occurs in just a few days time.

Howard has set up a blog to share the event:
“Return Bicycle Trip to Laos for the Opening Ceremony of the Vangtang Village School”

Watch the blog and send Howard a note. It’s a pretty special thing to go on a bike trip and end up building a school half way around the world.

Here is a picture of the Arcata Sunrise Rotary Club. I’ve added the arrow to identify Harold (aka “Big Ring”) Stauffer.

Arcata Sunrise Rotary Club

Vangtang Village School Update

On February 23, I had a chance to stop by Vangtang, see the school and meet the village headman and some others.

The school itself is not being worked on at the moment since they are waiting for windows and doorframes. I am told there is about a month’s worth of work when those arrive. I think it will be longer than that though. Projects usually don’t happen fast in Lao.

There is an old smaller school nearby. When the new school building is complete, the old structure will be moved closer to the new one. Right now many children of the school attend a school in the next village since there is not enough space in the old Vangtang school building.

Here is a picture of the new building with some school children in front:

Vangtang

And some of the kids that will be using it.

I know Howard Stauffer will make the trek to Laos to be at the Grand Opening which is scheduled for November.

All the people that purchased a Far and Away Lao Jersey or otherwise contributed to this project should feel very good about this project. It will make a big difference for Vangtang.

Here is the latest picture I have for our new school in Ban Vangtang:

Vangtang school

The picture is from Dec 1 and I’m sure a lot more progress has been made. We will have a chance to visit during the Feb tour.

The first phase of the project is complete. The schedule calls for the entire school to be finished around August.

It’s great to see the progress that has been made.

Thanks again to all those that supported this by purchasing our Lao Jersey.

Best,

Bob