A farewell filled with gratitude: Celebrating community at the Laos Learning Hub

Parami students from the Learning Hab are having dinner with the staff from Rural Development Agency

Before leaving Laos after graduation, Class of 2026 students from the Laos Learning Hub hosted a farewell dinner with the Rural Development Agency (RDA), a partner organization of Parami University based in Vientiane.

Since early last year, the Laos Learning Hub has welcomed Parami students, giving them the chance to learn, explore, and engage with communities beyond the classroom. The partnership with RDA has been crucial in supporting students throughout their stay, providing guidance and opportunities to participate in community-based projects.

Founded in 2009, RDA is a Lao-based non-profit social enterprise focusing on community projects that enhance community awareness and capacity in WASH, nutrition, environmental conservation, and youth engagement. Since the partnership with Parami began in mid-2025, students have had the chance to visit RDA’s office and learn more about their community work. Moreover, RDA, in partnership with Parami University, has arranged community-based learning activities such as clay-making workshops. 

One recent highlight was a visit to the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, where students learned about conservation efforts, endangered species, and the challenges and opportunities of protecting wildlife. Experiences like this allow students to understand the community and community-based initiatives beyond the classroom. 

To show appreciation towards RDA, students organized a potluck dinner, preparing Burmese snacks, and invited RDA staff, including the hub coordinator, to join. The evening became a space for cultural exchange, with students and staff sharing traditional dishes and stories and exploring similarities and differences among the communities. 

The Learning Hub Coordinator, Mali, shared that supporting students in this role has been a deeply meaningful experience, extending beyond organizing activities to walking alongside students in their growth, listening to their needs, and fostering a safe and encouraging environment for learning and connection. “One of the highlights of the RDA and Parami partnership has been the strong sense of community we have built together through shared activities, mutual support, and opportunities that truly empower students.”

This sense of community and care was equally reflected in the students’ own experiences at the hub. 

Moe Thiri Myat, one of the hub students, reflected on the personal impact of her experience staying at the hub: “The most meaningful part of my time at the hub was stepping away from our daily routines—getting out into nature and spending time together. Going on trips with friends brought us closer and gave me a real sense of belonging I’ll carry with me.”

Nyan Htet also expressed his gratitude: “I want to thank RDA and coordinator Mali for making it so easy to reach out whenever we had any issues in Laos. They were always responsive and incredibly helpful.”

The farewell dinner was more than a goodbye. It celebrated the experiences, relationships, and learning that the students had during their studies as learning hub students. Through hands-on fieldwork, cultural exchange, and the support of partners like RDA, students have gained skills, insights, and memories that extend well beyond their time in Laos. 

Parami’s learning hubs are more than places to stay; they are shared communities where students learn, explore, and experience life together. Collaborations with local organizations and partners have made this possible, ensuring that students have the support and care they need to thrive in this learning environment.