“Learn with Changnoy”: Award-winning student project
Jingjee (Phimmachanh Senekham) is a second-year student from Laos, who is one of this year’s Go Make A Difference award recipients. Her project, ‘Learn with Changnoy’ helps young people in rural Laos “develop important life skills”, offering a range of free workshops on leadership, personal values, and entrepreneurship. The name Changnoy (meaning “little elephant”) represents strength and intelligence, just like Laos’ national animal.
Her program will benefit the lives of 50 students aged 13–18, and will run over 28 days during the summer of 2025, in two rural locations. “Laos has a young population of 60% of people under 25 but many lack soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. These skills are essential for job opportunities and personal growth, yet most rural areas have little or no access to training programs.” Jingjee explains. And while some workshops exist in cities like Vientiane, rural students are often left behind, and so she aims to close this gap.
The motivation behind applying for the Go Make A Difference award stems from her “want to create real change in rural communities.” Her project will “empower students to dream bigger and build a better future,” and the grant itself will help them cover transportation and workshop costs, allowing them to reach more students and make a lasting impact.
About the award:
GoMakeADifference was established in 2001 by Colin Habgood and Jill Longson to provide grants to UWC Atlantic College students. The concept was to allow students an opportunity to make a difference and put into practice the ideals of UWC. Learn more.
