Vantage Foundation Partners with Hands of Hope Laos to Empower Deaf Children through Inclusive Education
Vientiane, Laos - The Vantage Foundation has announced its collaboration with Hands of Hope Laos to support deaf children through inclusive educational initiatives. Many hearing-impaired children in Laos face barriers to education due to societal discrimination, a shortage of qualified teachers trained in deaf education and sign language, and financial constraints that prevent them from affording school fees.
Founded in 2010 by Sophaphone Heuanglith, the Hands of Hope School for the Deaf aims to provide educational and vocational skills to deaf youth in Laos, enabling them to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to society. The school offers a nurturing environment, providing free education, accommodation, meals, and healthcare to its students. In this supportive setting, barriers are eliminated, fostering connection and acceptance among the children, who live, learn, eat, and grow together. This collaborative experience not only enhances their language skills but also promotes a sense of belonging, confidence, and social connectivity.
The Vantage Foundation recently met with Sophaphone Heuanglith to discuss ways to enhance the support for these children, who have endured societal discrimination. Recognizing the impactful work of Hands of Hope Laos, the foundation seeks to raise awareness about the needs and potential of deaf children, aiming to create inclusive opportunities that support the deaf community.
Sophaphone Heuanglith emphasized the importance of recognition for every child, stating that the school's mission extends beyond teaching language; it is about helping students discover their voice, confidence, and place in the world.
Steven Xie, Executive Director of the Vantage Foundation, expressed pride in supporting Hands of Hope, highlighting the organization's commitment to breaking down barriers and creating lasting opportunities for these children.
This partnership aligns with the Vantage Foundation's ongoing mission to advocate for inclusive initiatives that uplift underserved communities. By investing in education and empowerment, the foundation aims to create a fairer future where every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed.
For more information about Hands of Hope Laos, visit their Facebook page.
About the Vantage Foundation: The Vantage Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization established in 2023 at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK. The foundation collaborates with organizations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach for Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to promote impactful social initiatives.
For more details, visit www.vantage.foundation.