ສະບັບພາສາລາວ - Why Laos?

ການແປພາສາລາວຈະມີໃນໄວໆນີ້

ການແປເນື້ອຫາໜ້ານີ້ເປັນພາສາລາວກຳລັງຖືກກະກຽມ. ໃນລະຫວ່າງນີ້ ກະລຸນາໃຊ້ເຄື່ອງມືແປພາສາໃນເບຣາວເຊີຂອງທ່ານ.

Why Laos?

Why Australians and French professionals are connected with Deaf education, communication access and family support in northern Laos.

Beginning

September 2025

In September 2025, Julie visited the School for the Deaf in Luang Prabang, Laos. During that visit, she met staff and students whose warmth, resilience and sense of community left a lasting impression.

The Luang Prabang School for the Deaf courtyard and school buildings — School for the Deaf, Luang Prabang

“Although our languages and backgrounds were different, communication and connection were always present.”

“Language brokerage was a joy to observe.”

Language Brokerage

One of the most powerful experiences at the school was watching older students naturally interpret and scaffold communication for younger students and visitors. One student became my informal guide, showing me classrooms, introducing me to others and teaching me Lao Sign Language along the way.

Students interacting naturally on the school steps — Deaf boys outside dormitory, School for the Deaf, Luang Prabang

Continuing Connection

Following her return to Australia, Julie stayed in contact with the school and continued conversations about ways to support ongoing connection and shared learning.

Julie with a student in a lavender shirt at Luang Prabang School for the Deaf — Deaf, Teacher of the Deaf and Deaf senior student, School for the Deaf, Luang Prabang

Partnership

Partnership with Peuples et Montagnes du Mékong

Through this process, Julie was introduced to the team from PEMM, a France-based organisation supporting community and health initiatives in Laos. These conversations led to an invitation to join a future multidisciplinary mission team connected to the school and wider Deaf community in Luang Prabang.