The value of education
Finally, after 2 years of working in Young Lives program, I have chance to visit and do promotion in Huaymood Village, my home town.
This reminded me of a story. In Luke 4:14-30, it tells us the rejection of Jesus in his hometown. “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
At first, I thought that because the people know me, they might reject me like what Jesus experienced.
They might just think as a person who I was before.
But it turned out differently.
Sharing my testimony
The village’s assigned priest shared that there is a low percentage of young people going for further studies.
They lack the interest to study even if they are offered scholarships.
The village is remote and is near the forest which makes food easily available.
In our promotion event, after I presented the program to the youth in that village, I shared how education helped me become better a person.
It was a good opportunity for me to witness to people in the village as we belong to the same ethnicity, Taoiy tribe.
I was ready to witness the importance education. I felt I am confident enough to stand up and share my life experience.
I emphasized that I also came from a poor village but due to further education I was able to be the person who I am today.
I saw some of the youth cried while I was sharing.
I never expect that they will be touched by my story.
Conclusion
Few days after, three (3) youths from that village are interested to participate in our program. I hope that they can also influence more youth in their village to study after the program.
Indeed, I never imagine myself to be where I am today.
I am part of the team who is helping young people like me to study and be confident to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
I truly believe that education can bring hope and light for better future.
Moreover, we believe that these young people can become the hope and light of tomorrow.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
by Bout
Young Lives Laos Staff