Soutthida: Australian Awards Scholarship

June, 2025

Congratulations to Soutthida Phetdala, now on her way to Adelaide with an Australia Awards Scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis on Indigenous Health Care.

Soutthida was an active user @ My Library and has said “because of it, this little girl, who once knew nothing about scholarships, gained confidence, and is now going to Australia to pursue her master's degree—something she never dreamed of before.” We’re honored that she has considered the library her 2nd home.

A former recipient of our internship scholarship to the International School of Macao, long term volunteer at Keep Helping Each other and Luang Prabang Trash Idol and former president of Lao American College Toastmasters she became a prominent youth Leader and mentor. Her most recent leadership role is Founder and Manager of Speak for Success, a program of Luang Prabang youth volunteers who lead bilingual English-Lao workshops introducing timely topics and the opportunity to practice speaking about them publicly in front of their peers.

As a member of the Khmu ethnic group, she speaks passionately about the problems of indigenous mother and infant mortality in Laos, and her quest through her Master’s Degree and through emerging village community development work to bring together the best of tribal traditions and western practices to bridge the divide and honor both traditions while reducing mortality.

Thank you Soutthida, for being one of the first and strongest youth leaders in Luang Prabang, and best wishes on your journey ahead.