The never-ending rainy season in Laos will test even the biggest rain lover’s temper. Sweltering days followed by relentless downpours leaves bitumen crumbling and dirt roads impossible to navigate. Transportation routes between remote villages are virtually shut down, with quick trips turning into major marathon journeys. But life in these villages must continue – schools must still open and children must still have the opportunity to learn. So if travel via car is not an option, how do reading books reach children? Forget 4WDs, the most effective form of transport during the wet season is the elephant!
ElefantAsia and Big Brother Mouse have combined talents so children in remote areas of Laos don’t miss out on the chance to read just because of Mother Nature. ElefantAsia waved goodbye to Mae Dok the friendly elephant as she embarked on one of Big Brother Mouse’s famous book parties. Journeying through the Hongsa district of Laos, Big Brother Mouse and Mae Dok delivered 600 books to over 300 children in four villages disadvantaged by wet weather and hilly terrain. Not only delivering books, Big Brother Mouse threw fantastic parties filled with fun, games and songs, with many children keen to say a jumbo hello to Mae Dok as well!
Mae Dok left on her 5-day maiden voyage around Hongsa in November, visiting many children who had never even seen an elephant before. With more trips planned for the upcoming year, ElefantAsia have no doubt Mae Dok will receive a warm reception on whatever journey Big Brother Mouse leads her!
Big Brother Mouse is a Lao-based organisation that publishes and distributes fun books for children in Laos to read. With literacy rates still very low in some areas of Laos, Big Brother Mouse aims to make reading a pleasurable and enjoyable experience for all. This mouse and elephant team are destined to share many jumbo adventures together!
Click here to donate to ElefantAsia
Click here for information on ElefantAsia’ children’s book.
For more information about Big Brother Mouse visit their website.
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