Here is story by Marianne Ruggiero

On October 28, 2006, the Laotian Community Center of Rhode Island launched a national campaign to raise funds for the construction of a Cultural Center and Museum that will provide a place in which Asian and non-Asian people can come together and not only learn about Lao history and culture but will serve as a vital meeting place for communities of all ages on many different levels.

Thongkhoun Pathana, architectural designer and the President of the present Lao Cultural Center of Rhode Island, is the organizer of the campaign. In his speech, Pathana remarked that the "purpose of building the new Cultural Center and Museum is to educate the young Laotians of the next generation about their roots and heritage through though the following:

Support community development through art and culture; Promote pride and knowledge of Lao and Asian-American history and cultural heritage by offering counseling, social support, strength and hope; Advocate for youth education; encourage and inspire our youth to become productive members of society."

Pathana's hope, is to "strengthen cross-cultural understanding by facilitating the process of acculturation, and promoting goodwill and cultural pride."

The over all project will take some time and strong financial support from the Laotian Diaspora as a whole, not only to fund the construction of the Center, but also to sustain the continuation of the project. The new Laotian Cultural Center and Museum will occupy 7 acres at the present Limerock Road location, and will need about 3 to 5 million dollars to complete. Projected completion time is three years.

For additional information, please contact:

Thongkhoun Pathana, President
All donation make check/ money order to

Laotian Cultural Center of Rhode Island

88 Limerock Road

Smithfield, RI 02917

Office 401-349-0484

Cell 978-606-9194

Email: info@lccri.org

kpathana@lccri.org

www.lccri.org
 

Or For information

http://www.rfa.org/lao/weeklyFeature/education/2006/10/26/education06102

http://www.rfa.org/lao/weeklyFeature/education/2006/10/12/education06101

http://origin.www.voanews.com/lao/2006-11-08-voa1.cfm

http://origin.www.voanews.com/lao/

www.projo.com <http://www.projo.com/>
 

The Multipurpose Hall at Wat Prayortkeo is another great example of great vision from Lao Community leader in Australia.