In a red-roofed, white-walled house on the outskirts of Vientiane, Laos, a 10-year-old hearing-impaired boy got creative with crayons, drawing with wobbly outlines two figures holding hands next to a bright sun. This artwork was exhibited alongside nearly one hundred other paintings, forming the first art exhibition for the children of the "Hand of Hope" education center.
At the exhibition, volunteers from China Southern Power Grid (CSG) communicated with Laotian teachers and students through smiles and gestures. Photographs hung on the walls captured the children's joy as they carried new schoolbags and played with new footballs. Also, the photos captured the moments of their focused study in bright classrooms, offering a vivid snapshot of how "The Light of Hope" public welfare initiative lit up their silent world.
The "Hand of Hope" education center holds the first art exhibition for the children. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Energy Interconnection Strengthens Foundation of Friendship
Closer people-to-people ties are rooted in connectivity. For over a decade, China Southern Power Grid Yunnan International Co.,Ltd. (YNIC), a subsidiary of CSG, has deepened power cooperation within the Lancang-Mekong region and built a bridge for the China-Laos partnership. The 115kV transmission line from Mengla, China to Namo, Laos and the China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project enabled transmission lines to traverse the mountains. They not only optimized the energy mix and ensuring power supply in Laos, but also brought the peoples of China and Laos closer together.
Based on the solid energy partnership, “The Light of Hope" public welfare initiative was launched in January 2023. Focusing on educational support, it translates CSG's commitment of "Light up every home, warm up every heart" into tangible warm actions.
Targeted Assistance Warms Hearts
The energy corridor has built a bridge for cooperation, while targeted measures have allowed public welfare assistance to take root. The team proactively connected with local Lao public welfare organizations, conducting surveys along the power supply routes of the China-Laos Railway. They navigated muddy mountain paths to local primary schools and special education schools, precisely identifying the groups most in need of support.
The warmth of this targeted assistance soon traversed mountains and rivers to reach the children in need. On January 14, 2023, 163 children at a local primary school received the first batch of "Hope Packages." The gift bags, printed with the CSG cartoon character and the Year of the Rabbit design, were filled with stationery and clothing. Meanwhile, dozens of kilometers away, teachers and students at a special education school were joyfully unpacking specialized equipment used for mechanical repair and IT training. Office supplies, lighting equipment, and renovation materials were also delivered simultaneously.
The assistance provided to the "Hands of Hope" School for the Deaf was particularly touching and heartfelt. The principal, Sophaphone Heuanglith, sold her family property to establish the school and struggled to keep it running with income from her part-time translation work. For the 25 deaf children aged 6 to 12, she was not only a teacher imparting knowledge but also a caregiver, supporting them with love and dedication to create a brighter future. In response, CSG collaborated with local charity organizations to conduct a three-month painting training program for the children, patiently nurturing their creativity.
“The Light of Hope" public welfare initiative donates art supplies to the "Hands of Hope" School for the Deaf. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
"Every child has the right to experience the nurturing influence of art and to shine in their own unique way," said Sophaphone Heuanglith at the art exhibition. Seeing the children outline their dreams with bright colors, she was reminded of the words of He Jingxian, a Chinese special education expert: "Special education is about enabling every life to shine in its own way." This realization grew even stronger during her study trip to China. While visiting a special education school in Guangzhou, she observed hearing-impaired children communicating confidently with the help of specialized devices, which further reinforced her determination to run a meaningful educational institution.
Everlasting Impact Brings Sustained Empowerment
The significance of “The Light of Hope" initiative extends far beyond a one-time donation. It lies in its commitment to sustained empowerment. In September 2023, volunteers returned to the local primary school to repair leaky roofs, donated computers, electric fans as well as desks and chairs, and delivered a campus program on electrical safety.
By July 2024, with financial support from CSG Lancang-Mekong International Energy Co., Ltd., Laos’s first sign language audiovisual news program was launched. This initiative bridges the information gap for 80,000 hearing-impaired individuals in Laos, extending “The Light of Hope" to a broader community.
Today, the scope of “The Light of Hope" initiative continues to expand alongside the deepening China-Laos cooperation. In August 2025, as the accompanying livelihood project of the China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project, a new primary school officially commenced construction. With an investment of nearly $300,000, the school will build six new classrooms and supporting facilities, benefiting over a hundred school-age children. After completion, a regular teaching assistance mechanism will also be established.
From power interconnection to educational support, from targeted donations to long-term empowerment, “The Light of Hope" initiative has carried out various activities to help the locals. These efforts are like the stable power delivered by the China-Laos 500 kV interconnection project, continuously conveying warmth and hope to local communities in Laos.
Lao students play in a local primary school’s playground. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
