At 64 years old, Mr. Thitchanpheng, a retired teacher living with a disability in Sibounheuang village, Nan District, has spent his life serving his community. Despite living with kyphosis since infancy, he dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching before retiring in 2019. Today, he lives with his children and grandchildren, supporting his family by farming rice—work that is physically demanding but essential for their food and income.
Flooding was not new to Sibounheuang village, but the floods of July 2025 were unlike anything experienced before. On the morning of 23 July, the river rose rapidly, forcing families to flee. After helping neighbors move their belongings to safety, Thitchanpheng rushed to his rice field—only to find it completely destroyed. Where rice once grew, there was now only mud. His harvest, investment, and hopes for the year were gone.
The loss was devastating. With limited ability to find other work and having invested heavily in the field, Thitchanpheng feared that his grandchildren would face hunger or be forced to leave school. For days, he felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.
Relief came through support from the Humanitarian Fund, implemented by Save the Children in partnership with the Luang Prabang Red Cross. Thitchanpheng’s family received cash assistance, easing the immediate financial burden and enabling them to plan for replanting by hiring labour to restore the damaged field.
The support brought more than practical assistance—it restored hope. “We will replant again, and we will fight again,” Thitchanpheng said with quiet determination.
Today, with renewed strength and the support of his family and community, Thitchanpheng looks ahead with hope—grateful that in the aftermath of loss, he was not left to face recovery alone.
