Theun-Hinboun Private School (THPS) was one of THPC's earliest development for the people of the Lao PDR, and since those first days, THPC's focus has been the importance of education development. The THPS, which opened in 1996 in Khounkham District, Khammuan Province, is a private Lao school that is fully funded by THPC. THPS is open to all children from the local villages as well as children of THPC staff with more than 50% of the current enrolment from the local villagers. The facilities include 12 classrooms from Primary 1 to Secondary 7, a library, a laboratory, and a computer room. All teachers are qualified professional Lao teachers with experience in the national curriculum. THPS charges a nominal fee of 150,000 kip per student every academic year. THPC provides 25 scholarships to students from low-income families and with such scholarships, these students are not required to pay the school fee and THPC provides a school uniform and learning materials.
- Ms. Tadam Markvilay, a Secondary 7 scholarship student, says that her family has low income and it is very good for her to be a THPS student. Strict rules and high competition in the school help her to be a diligent and hardworking student which will fulfill her dream to continue her study in Medical University after completing the secondary school. Being a doctor is her dream job, as she will be able to treat patients and help everyone to stay healthy.
Ms. Tadam Markvilay, a local student who has been studying at THPS
from year 1 to yea 12 wishes to study at Medicine University in the near future
THPS offers modern facilities to children
THPS is regularly identified as the one of the top schools at both the district and provincial level. In addition, THPS has sent more than 20 students to compete at the National Exams and has won many awards with a 1st place award in 2009 and two 3rd place awards in 2010 and 2015.
THPC is committed to fully supporting THPS with annual funding($200,000/year) to ensure its continuous good quality education for the children from the local villages so that they have more opportunities to study and further their education at universities after they graduated from THPS.
University Scholarships
Every year, THPS awards a full university scholarship to a student who has graduated from THPS. This scholarship program has been running since 2012, and students from the local villages (not children from THPC staff) who have attended THPS from M1 to M7 (Grade 6-12) are eligible for this scholarship.
The scholarship is given to the best student who demonstrates academic promise, makes a significant effort to their studies, and contributes to school life. If there are more than one top candidate, the student whose family has a lower income will be given preference.
Students are allowed to pick which university in Laos that they wish to attend also which program that they will take at the university. The scholarship covers all costs to attend university such as tuition fees, books and living expenses. The scholars are under no obligation to work or repay THPC once they graduated from university, and thus, they are free to choose whatever career they want after graduation.
Currently, there is one student studying at the Lao-Korea Institute and the other two students are studying at the National University of Laos.
Mr. Sonexay Inthalad, a student from local and low-income family expresses that “he was very happy and felt grateful to be awarded a scholarship from THPC which every poor student wants to follow their dream in continuing their study at an university. Without the scholarship he would not have the opportunity to go to university because his family could not support him.”