My Story, My Dream

While I am an American citizen, my nationality is Lao and it is my privilege to tell you a bit about the many orphans and impoverished children in my homeland. How do I know so much?

Because I was once one of them.

I grew up without a father, helping my mother sell food in a local market so that we could scrape together enough to have a place to sleep each night. At 12, I took a job at a gas station in exchange for both food and a chance for education.

While this lifestyle is standard for the poor children of Lao, I consider myself lucky as I was able to use those opportunities as stepping stones to a comfortable life in America where I eventually started a family and built a thriving restaurant.

Now, it is my turn to give hope back.

It has always been my dream to return to Laos and change the futures of those children still living in poverty, especially those who have lost one or both parents.

Of course, I cannot do it alone and would be grateful to consider you part of the Lao Children’s Foundation team.

~ Com Khamphan Khammang

Lao Children’s Foundation, President