International Expeditions is thrilled to participate Laos and Vietnam ecotourism efforts by supporting Big Brother Mouse. Big Brother Mouse is bringing the fun of reading to Lao children by publishing books in their language. In both 2008 and 2009, more than 30,000 rural children got their first book through a Big Brother Mouse book party. During IE's Laos and Vietnam expedition, you will have the opportunity to distribute school supplies purchased through this innovative program to a school - an extraordinary chance to touch the lives of Laos' young people. Guests on our 2010 Laos and Vietnam vacations also brought along school supplies – including a popular “alien head” erasers. Working with Big Brother Mouse, IE guests gave the kids books on basic biology and personal hygiene, dinosaur coloring books with coloring pencils, books on the wildlife of Laos, books on learning to speak English, books with fables, and books about kids in other countries. And they were all in the native language! Rural Lao children frequently drop out of school after about the third grade so keeping them interested in learning and reading is a major challenge. They absolutely loved the books and gifts from the guests!
