SUNSHINE SCHOOL
Vientiane Laos
Laos Sunshine School in Vientiane is a Neohumanist school founded in 1996, offering a holistic, values-based education from early years through junior high. It combines the Lao curriculum with English, arts, yoga, meditation, environmental education and practical learning, nurturing responsible and globally minded young people.
A three day program is being offered after the conference
Friday 2 April – Sunday 4 April 2027
At a glance
Fri 2 Apr: Early morning arrival. Kindergarten visit, primary/secondary welcome, possible Baci & Lao New Year water blessing, classroom visits, afternoon exchange with staff/students. Optional: observe after-school clubs.
Sat 3 Apr: Full-day NHE teacher training for Sunshine staff and interested participants.
Sun 4 Apr: Vientiane cultural visit, with evening departure for most participants.
ARRIVAL DAY FRIDAY
Friday morning: first contact with Sunshine School
Welcome and short orientation; observe early-years NHE practice; move to primary/secondary school for student welcome – traditional Baci ceremony/ possible Lao New Year water blessing, then lunch at school.
Lunch: enjoy a Lao-style meal made by our expert Sunshine kitchen staff.
Friday afternoon: interaction, observation & exchange
Begin with observation of real classroom activities, then short student interactions in smaller groups. Visitors can share simple NHE activities, stories, songs, games, art, yoga, or values-based discussions.
15:30–17:00 Optional – visit school clubs in action.
SATURDAY: full-day NHE teacher training
Morning: NHE foundations and inner development.
Afternoon: practical activities, classroom methods, artistic practice, reflection and next steps. Use concrete classroom examples and activities teachers can use immediately.
Lunch: Lao-style meal prepared by Sunshine kitchen staff.
SUNDAY: a short cultural introduction to Vientiane
Recommended City Loop
- Morning: Wat Si Muang → Wat Phra Kaew → Wat Si Saket – ancient temples
• Late morning: COPE Visitor Centre – Services for disabled, particularly those affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO). - Afternoon: Pha That Luang (Golden Stupa) + Patuxai Monument (Victory monument)
• If time allows: Buddha Park outside the city, especially if departures are later.
• Evening: airport, train or border departures.
Optional evenings and Sunday lunch: local vegetarian restaurant or cooking together at Didi’s house, visits to night markets.
For participants staying longer
Vang Vieng
- Easy by Laos–China Railway. (1 hour from Vientiane)
• Karst scenery, rivers, caves and nature activities.
• Good for 1 night, possibly a long day trip.
Luang Prabang – UNESCO World Heritage city
- Easy by Laos–China Railway (2 hours from Vientiane) or flight
- Temples, Mekong river, colonial streets, waterfalls.
• Better with 1-2 nights.