Phou Jo, the English school of the 4,000 Islands

In February 2024, Mélissa travelled to southern Laos for a brand new project. A month later, it was official: NK Seeds would open its third English school in Muang Khong, in the far south of the country, in the 4,000 Islands.

The project grew out of a meeting with Josef and Vanthika, a dedicated Franco-Lao couple from the association Urgences sans frontières. Josef is the one who started the school. On the island, he is seen as the children's grandfather. So the school bears his name: Phou Jo English School.

It opened its doors on 17 September 2024, on Khong Island (Don Khong), in the heart of the Mekong's 4,000 Islands. Classes are free and open to young people aged 7 to 18. In the first weeks, about 80 children enrolled. In early October, the school welcomed its first two volunteers, who came to assist the local teacher.

That teacher is Davanh. He teaches Monday to Friday, from 3:45 to 5:30 pm, with the help of international volunteers. A year after opening, nearly 100 children attend classes, split into three to four groups. The atmosphere is both joyful and studious. The students are making quick progress, curious to discover the world beyond the Mekong.

To keep growing, the school needs volunteers. In January 2026, the team launched a new call for February and for March-April. No specific skills are required: kindness, motivation and a willingness to get involved are enough.