Biography

Lenou is devoted to increasing the literacy and English language skills of children living in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Lenou Sypasurt is a young man who dreams of a literate youth population in Laos. With money he saved from working as a dishwasher in Australia, this Local Hero rented a small house near Luang Prabang, converted it into a library and classroom and invited the local youth to come – for free. Lenou grew up in a small rural village where the “local” school was far away and there was no library nearby. As an adult, he was determined to help the children in Luang Prabang have more opportunities than he had as a child. In 2009, he opened Lenou’s Library—a special place where children can borrow books, study, or take English classes. 

Serving the youth of Luang Prabang since 2009, Lenou provides 2 free English language classes daily for children and young adults and library resources to promote literacy skills. Attendance each year has grown, and there are currently over 40 children who regularly attend class and stay to read.