Pathoumphone District, September 4, 2015

Schoolchildren in Pathoumphone District, Champassak Province, have received a boost to their education with the handover of four new classrooms for Ban Boun secondary school, courtesy of assistance from the Theun-Hinboun Power Company (THPC).

Soulideth Baomanikhoth, the Deputy General Manager of THPC, was at Ban Boun on September 4 to hand over the new classrooms to village representatives and officials from Champassak Province and Pathoumphone District Education Offices.

In May and April this year two groups of THPC personnel came to the village to help with construction of the new school wing, through a team-building activity designed to benefit a rural community while at the same time assisting THPC’s staff development.

Funding for the building was provided by a combination of sources including the people of Ban Boun, the local education authority and THPC, which donated 256 million kip towards the costs. The school’s Director, Mr Bounlieng Phommachanh said that the new classrooms had enabled the school to take on extra pupils this school year, expanding the opportunity for education to more villages in the area.

Mr Soulideth said that by joining with the villagers and authorities on this small project, THPC had found a win-win situation. “In this instance, we have managed to make a contribution to a friendly and deserving community while also providing our staff with valuable experience. Ban Boun has gained an important asset at the school, and its residents have made friends with our company” he said.

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