Our History
The journey of ARDA in empowering communities in Laos since 1991
1991
The Foundation
Initial proposal sent to Investment Committee to establish a language school in Laos.
1992
Official Opening
Received permission to start school and established in Anou Village, Vientiane Capital.
1994-96
Transformation & Growth
School temporarily closed when director returned to Australia. Reopened in Khountatong Village, Sikottabong District. Shifted focus from children to adult learners (16+) and implemented a three-term annual system.
2004
Luang Prabang Branch
Opened the first branch outside Vientiane in Luang Prabang Province.
2005
HOPE Centre
Established HOPE centre for street kids and children from low-income backgrounds. Provided lunch, Lao and English lessons, and skills training.
2006
Skills Vocational Centre
Created Skills Vocational Centre in Wattay Noi Village. Offered vocational training for girls (housekeeping) and boys (electrical/building skills).
2007
Southern Expansion
Changed to two-semester system in January. Opened branch in Pakse, Champasak Province in March.
2008
Lao Language for Foreigners
Started teaching Lao Language to foreigners in Luang Prabang and then in the other Centres.
2012
Children's Programs
Started teaching children aged 9-13 at the Pakse branch.
2017
Savannakhet
Opened branch in Savannakhet City, Savannakhet Province - where we are today!
2025
Chinese Language Program
Started teaching Chinese (Mandarin) in Savannakhet.
