Patron's Page

Philip Marshall explains why the Phakhoun Center and Boun are the focus of his patronage abroad. 

I've known Boun Soukhaluck since 2018.

I was hitchhiking through the remote reaches of northern Laos, having traveled by cargo boat up the Mekong River north of the Golden Triangle.

I reached Muang Long where I met Sorto, a student of Boun's, who introduced me to Boun, who invited me to visit his English class. This was a rare opportunity for students to interact with a native English speaker. 

With four decades of experience in higher education, I was immediately struck by Boun's pedagogical skills, his ability to inspire and guide students, and his unwavering commitment to his community.

I followed Boun's progress, including earning a masters degree in Vietnam. I learned about the hardships Boun has faced and how they've motivated him to help others. 

Arriving in Vietnam, Boun knew a bit of self-taught Vietnamese; he quickly becam proficient—due to his dedication and his immersion in a native-speaking environment. This experience shaped his approach to learning and teaching English.

In 2021, Boun explained how he planned to return home and establish a center to teach English, Vietnamese, and math. He visited English-language centers in Vietnam, connected with professors, and gathered educational resources.

In 2022, I pledged my support to the construction of Boun's center, which was assisted by his community’s contribution of time, materials, and equipment.

In 2023, I visited Boun's fully operational center, observed his classes, and celebrated its opening with his community. 

In addition to directing the center, Boun has been teaching at the Muang Long school since 2010. He is one of five party members on the faculty. Such standing is what I might described as “tenured.” This standing positions Boun as a decision maker and leader in his school and community.  

In 2024, Boun gained official permission by the Office of Director of Education and Sports to establish the Phakhoun Foreign Languages Training Center. 

To underscore my support for Boun, I will continue to assist his center’s annual operating budget. 

It is though our GoFundMe campaign that Boun seeks to broaden the center’s support and provde full scholarships for students who come from economically disadvantaged families. 

Boun is an amazing “ambassador” of education and self-determination in Lao PDR. I am impressed how professional he is, how well he expresses the spirit and meaning of education, and how he can relate to student and colleagues—myself included.    

Just as I was introduced to Boun through one of his students, you get to be introduced to the center through Boun's students—their home life and gratitude.