Logo of Big Brother Mouse, publishing books in Laos
 

Big Brother Mouse Shares the Joy of Reading

Josephine Ong and friends raised money to sponsor a book in just a day or two. First of all, I would like to thank Sasha Alyson of Big Brother Mouse, for inviting me to write an article about my fund-raising for Big Brother Mouse. I visited Big Brother Mouse in Vientiane on the 14th of February 2008. My first impression about Big Brother Mouse was from the big mouse that stood in front of its shop. This mouse looked knowledgeable with a pencil and a school bag. When I entered the shop, a friendly young staff member explained that the books and the T-shirts on the shelves could be purchased to support Big Brother Mouse, which strives to create a reading culture for children in the rural areas of Laos. I was touched by this meaningful project.

After I returned to Malaysia, I told my sister about Big Brother Mouse. We decided to sponsor a book for Laotian children. On the 16th February of this year, we sponsored a book entitled Bangkok Bob, the Artist as our first step to support Big Brother Mouse. A week later, when I browsed the Big Brother Mouse website, I was enthralled by a book entitled Homes Around the World. The next morning, I invited my school colleagues, friends and my sister to join me to sponsor this book. They absolutely agreed with my idea. I was touched by their support of this project.

The main reason I raised the funds for Big Brother Mouse was because education is important for everybody. Giving children a joyful world of reading is a pleasure. In addition, the habit of reading could be acquired at an early age. I strongly believe that knowledge is a beacon of hope to create a better future. If a mouse is happy with its home close to the rice field, I am sure the children would be very happy if their homes are surrounded by the joyful world of reading. So, let's make this world a warm and pleasant home, filled with the joy of reading.

If you are in Laos, please don't hesitate to pay a visit to Big Brother Mouse in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Your support to Big Brother Mouse will help to create a better future for the Laotians.

We are proud of all the conscientious staff and volunteers at Big Brother Mouse. Keep up the good work.

Lastly, I would like to thank Rob Duncan for suggesting the title of this article.

Josephine Ong and friends, Malaysia