In a remote region of southern Laos, the TerraKids team recently faced a new challenge while visiting schools to distribute water filters and teach students about hygiene, handwashing, and child protection. When they arrived, they discovered that most of the children didn’t understand the Lao language—they only spoke two local minority languages.
Thankfully, Mr. Suan, our local sales representative, lives in the area and speaks both of those languages fluently. He and his family live near the schools, and his connection to the community made him the perfect person to help. When the TerraKids team invited him to translate during the presentations, the results were immediate: the children listened more closely, participated more actively, and understood the lessons.
After successfully translating at two schools, the TerraKids team asked Mr. Suan to go one step further—to lead the sessions on child rights and risk prevention himself, using the picture-based materials provided. Though initially nervous, Mr. Suan accepted the challenge with courage. With the team’s encouragement, he gained confidence and did an excellent job. He even taught in both minority languages, one of which was not his mother tongue.
The impact was clear. The children engaged more deeply, answered questions, and participated in the interactive songs and dances like “Hand Washing” and “Love Learning.” Mr. Suan especially enjoyed dancing with the team and seeing the joy on the students’ faces as they connected with the lessons in their own language.
When we asked him how he felt about the experience, Mr. Suan shared that he was excited to try something new and thankful to TerraClear for the opportunity. He was proud to have made a difference and energized by the experience.
For the TerraKids team, this was a powerful reminder that language matters—and that local leaders like Mr. Suan are key to reaching children who might otherwise be left out. We’re so grateful for his willingness to serve and his growing role in bringing health, safety, and education to his community.
We look forward to seeing Mr. Suan continue to share his voice and passion with children across his region—in the languages they understand best.
