Many communities in Laos are still living in remote and isolated areas, with only the most rudimentary infrastructure. While education is a key factor in poverty reduction and sustainable development, in a country like Laos, the obstacles for effective basic education are often insufficient classrooms, lack of textbooks, supplies, teaching material and also libraries. In 2014, RYTHM Foundation signed an agreement with Child’s Dream Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering children, youth and communities in the Mekong Sub-Region. Through this partnership, RYTHM Foundation’s aim was to support and fund the construction and renovation of a second building at Na Luam Secondary School, located in the Xaiyabouli Province in Northern Laos. It is the main secondary school in the district, and is highly sought-after by parents of local children who have completed their primary level of education. The construction was completed successfully and in November 2014, RYTHM Foundation, led by Trustee Zaheer Merchant, attended the official opening of the new building, which houses five fully furnished classrooms. The new block, equipped with additional toilets, accommodates approximately 200 students between the ages of 12 to 18 years.
