Siphai Thammavong: English Changed My Life

The Power of English

I never fully understood the power of the English language until I backpacked through Southeast Asia. It was during this trip where I realized just how many people make a living through the tourism industry. For many, learning English is the way out of poverty and hardship. In a country like Laos where jobs are hard to find, and the standard of living can be extremely low, knowing English can open many possibilities for new jobs and a new way of life. English not only allows locals to apply to the many tourism jobs that the country thrives on, but it also increases their application acceptance odds for many higher education institutions. Simply put, knowing English opens a world of opportunities for people in Laos and Southeast Asia.

Siphai

This was the case for Siphai Thammavong. Growing up in, Ban Numpouk, a small farming village, Siphai was looking for a better way of life. He decided to bet his future on English and attend English school.
Though he struggled to survive and pay for his school and living expenses, Siphai managed to pick up odd jobs to help him finish his studies.

Completing school was only half the battle for Siphai. He knew that to truly be good in a language, he had to practice his craft. To further his learning, Siphai decided to approach tourists on the street in search of conversations. This, however, did not work as well as one would think. Siphai faced constant rejection and humiliation for his actions. People assumed he was a beggar or a con artist and immediately rejected him. At times he wondered what he was doing and where he was headed in life. Occasionally, though, he would find a tourist willing to speak to him. Those conversations became invaluable to his learning experience and were worth the humiliation of rejection he had to face.

At that time, I needed to work hard to learn English. Sometimes I walked along the streets and asked English speakers to teach me to English words to improve myself. It was a bit embarrassing, but I never gave up.

Siphai

After tireless amounts of rejection, practice, and patience Siphai began to slowly master the new language. He eventually landed a job as an English teacher and later became an English storyteller in Luang Prabang. I can tell you first hand that his storytelling was awesome and his English was fantastic. What impressed me most about Siphai however was his willingness to spread his knowledge of the language. After each storytelling show, he looks for volunteers from the audience to help him teach English at his home.

I took a flyer and decided to join him and it was an incredible experience. The kids were happy to be there and they were very excited to talk with volunteers. When I asked Siphai why he set this all up and why he was doing this, he told me English could change these kids’ lives.

I teach them for free without pay and I am so happy to pass on my English to the young generation or children who have no chance to study English like I did. I do wish everyone could speak English like me because English is very important for everybody in this world.

Siphai

Siphai’s contributions will go a long way in bettering the lives of many of the poor kids that he has taken in. Though they don’t know it yet, their weekly English lessons with Sipahi may just be their ticket a better life in the near future.

Thanks Siphai for all your work!

How We Can all Help

Knowing English in Southeast Asia is like owning gold. English education is one of the best ways to help nations like Laos. Just like Siphai is doing his part in helping, travelers can do the same too. It starts simply by talking to locals. If you travel to Southeast Asia and know English, I encourage you to talk to locals. Many people rely on tourist’s willingness to talk to them to help them learn the language. I know Siphai appreciates every person that did so as it changed his life for the better. If you want to go even further, providing English books or material for people trying to learn can be life-changing. I donated a few books during my time in Laos and people were so grateful; It was as if I had gifted them a car or a house.

English gives people hope of a better way out. When you meet the people of this region you can’t help but wish they had a better life. But wishing isn’t enough. Many of us have the power to help. This is why Earth’s Corner is partnering with people like Siphai in Southeast Asia to help provide people the education they need to make a better life for themselves. If you are interested in helping please see how you can do so here.