Partnership between Vantage Foundation and Hands of Hope Laos to Empower Deaf Children Through Inclusive Education
In Vientiane, Laos, many deaf children are unable to attend school due to discrimination, lack of qualified teachers trained in deaf education or sign language, and inability to afford school fees. Hands of Hope School for the Deaf was established in 2010 by Sophaphone Heuanglith, who aimed to provide education and opportunities to deaf youth in Laos.
The goal of Hands of Hope is to impart academic and vocational skills to these students so they can take care of themselves and contribute to society. The school offers a supportive environment, providing them with free education, accommodation, meals, and medical care. In this nurturing environment, there are no barriers – only connection and acceptance. The children live, learn, eat, and grow together, not only acquiring language skills but also developing a sense of belonging, trust, and social connectivity.
The Vantage Foundation met with Sophaphone Heuanglith, the founder of Hands of Hope Laos, to discuss the organization’s commitment to supporting and empowering these children who have faced discrimination from society. Recognizing the meaningful work of Hands of Hope Laos, the Vantage Foundation hopes to raise awareness about the needs and potential of deaf children and create an inclusive opportunity to support the deaf community.
„Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and valued,“ said Sophaphone Heuanglith, founder of Hands of Hope Laos. „At our school, we not only teach language – we help our students discover their voice, confidence, and place in the world.“
„Hands of Hope represents the type of impact we aim to support through the Vantage Foundation,“ added Steven Xie, Managing Director of the Vantage Foundation. „We are proud to stand by Sophaphone and her team in breaking down barriers and creating lasting opportunities for these children.“
This collaboration reflects the ongoing mission of the Vantage Foundation to advocate for inclusive initiatives that empower underserved communities. Through investments in education and empowerment, we hope to create a more just future – a future where every child, regardless of abilities, has the chance for success. To learn more about Hands of Hope Laos, visit https://www.facebook.com/HOHlao/
About Vantage Foundation
The Vantage Foundation is an independent non-profit organization established in 2023 at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK. The foundation has partnered with organizations around the world, including Grab Indonesia, the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach for Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to promote effective social initiatives.
For more information, visit www.vantage.foundation
Press Contact:
Steven Xie,
Managing Director,
Vantage Foundation,
steven.xie@vantage.foundation