Laos Driving/License Course Scholarship Awarded

Tragically, Potman died today, March 24, 2012 at 5:00 pm from a preventable illness if detected early, chronic malaria complications,  "My friend and buddy, you are forever in my memory as a good caring man who was always there for me and Indigo Threads.  Our Lao life will never be the same.  We miss you."

There is just no other way to put it.  Southern Laotian drivers are horrendously unsafe drivers, ignoring commonplace laws and rules of the road without enforcement, unless something deadly happens. These risk-taking bad driving habits are ‘white knuckling’ daily experience with consequences to all.

Until recently, motorbikes were the main means of transportation.  Livestock, cars, trucks, semi trailers, farm equipment, motorbikes, pedestrians and pushcarts struggling to use the same single line roads, built to accommodate motorbikes and pedestrian pushcart traffic.  Most Southern Lao drivers do not have a driver’s license due to the cost of obtaining updated driving instructions and licensing; furthermore, there is no need to obtain a driver’s license for most, being LAWS are not enforced.  As a responsible International Organization, Indigo Threads requires our key drivers to possess a valid Lao driver’s license before working with our Programs.

As a hardworking conscientious mature Indigo Threads employee, Mr. Siphueng was awarded a special Indigo Threads scholarship to attend a 3-month Driving School course and receive his driver’s license for all motor vehicles.  Successfully completing Driving School and licensed, Mr. Siphueng (Potman), safely transports our staff to Indigo Threads Education Programs.  With his multi driver’s certification, he will be able to secure employment for years to come and provide a great future for his 5 children. 

CONGRATULATIONS,' POTMAN'.  GREAT JOB AND THANK YOU.

Photo:  Mr. Siphueng and Na, his 9-year old 2nd youngest son   Na enjoys playing soccer.  Potman raises his family in a rural region Taoy village.  As as ethnic minority and a hardworking valued employee, he is extraordinarily helpful in the field as most Indigo Threads Programs are directed to ethnic rural students, schools and village communities.