Givers of Dreams

We would like to take a moment to congratulate Mr. Kue Xiong on completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pécs in Hungary. This has been a long and challenging journey for him, and we want to celebrate his incredible achievement. Mr. Xiong stands as an inspiration to our Hmong brothers and sisters in Laos, proving that with determination, dreams can become a reality. We are so proud of you, Mr. Kue Xiong! Return home and continue to be a leader in your community.

I want to take a moment to deeply thank all the friends, donors, supporters, volunteers, and board members who have been part of this incredible journey with Givers of Dreams. As a Hmong American, I’ve always felt a calling to give back to the motherland, and my first trip to Laos in 2018 opened my eyes to the immense need for support in our community overseas. This sparked the creation of Givers of Dreams in 2020, and for four years, with your help, we were able to provide over $15,000 in scholarships to Hmong students, offer free online English classes with the help of dedicated volunteers, and create the KTST Life Group mentorship program to inspire and empower our Hmong brothers in Southeast Asia to see beyond their dreams.

Last year, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life—to close down the organization due to my health. Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve struggled to fully process everything, and the same year I began chemotherapy was when I co-created the mentorship program. I’ve come to realize that I cannot continue to pour into others if I don’t first take care of myself.

Although Givers of Dreams has come to a close, my commitment to helping my Hmong brothers and sisters overseas doesn’t end here. I’m incredibly grateful to all of you who helped make this dream a reality, and I’m excited to carry this mission forward in new ways, as I continue to support and uplift our community. Thank you for being part of this journey—your support has meant the world.

With love,

Ming Lee

Over the past two years, 20 mentees from across Laos and one from Vietnam came together—many strangers at first—but quickly formed deep connections. Through shared experiences, trust, and support, they built a brotherhood that transcends borders.

Our final day at the retreat was filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and tears. While the mentorship program has concluded, the bonds we’ve created and the support we’ve found in one another will endure for a lifetime.

After a full day of workshops and team-building activities, we wrapped up the leadership seminar with a fun mini raffle for all the participants. Just look at their faces—they were filled with joy! It was a wonderful way to end the day, and everyone had an amazing time!

During our Leadership Seminar, we celebrated and acknowledged the incredible dedication of our four mentees who achieved perfect attendance throughout the year! Not missing a single session is a testament to their determination, commitment, and passion for growth. Each of these mentees has shown us what it means to stay consistent and motivated, even when challenges arise.

In November, each of these mentees was given a thought-provoking prompt to discuss, and they created heartfelt videos sharing their insights and perspectives.

With the support of our amazing community, votes poured in to recognize their contributions. We’re thrilled to announce that mentee She Lee emerged as the winner, receiving an Apple iPad as a reward for his outstanding effort and engagement!

This celebration is a reminder of the power of showing up, staying dedicated, and inspiring others along the way. To our mentees: thank you for your hard work and for being such an inspiration.

At the end of our final night in Muang Fuang, we gathered in Chue's room for one of the most memorable highlights of our time together—sharing ghost stories.

Our mentees opened up about their personal experiences and spiritual encounters, vividly describing moments from their villages that left us all with chills. The room was filled with a mix of laughter, nervous glances, and the occasional scream, as each story brought a different perspective on the unseen world.

It was both a fun and spine-tingling experience that brought us even closer as a group. Sitting there together, huddled in the dim light, we created memories that will last far beyond that night. 👻🧟🌙

Having a career is a vital part of life. During our retreat in Muang Fuang, we were honored to host Ai Xiong, a graduate of Souphanouvong University and current employee at Lao-China Railway.

Ai Xiong shared an inspiring message with our mentees, emphasizing that with self-belief, anything is possible.

Our goal is to encourage our mentees to pursue education and strive for sustainable careers that will empower them to build a brighter future for themselves.

Our last meal together at the retreat was unforgettable. After a peaceful day by the river at Muang Fuang Resort, we gathered for dinner, savoring the food and each other's company.

This retreat has been more than just a getaway—it's been a reminder of the beauty of connection between peb cov Kwj tij, shared moments, and the bonds we've built. Though we’ll be heading in different directions, the spirit of this time together will stay with us. 🌿❤️

This year, our Kwv tij have shown incredible dedication, resilience, and growth. Month after month, they showed up, participated, and engaged in discussions that challenged their perspectives and strengthened their skills.

To honor their commitment, each kwv tij received a certificate of participation—a small token of appreciation for their hard work and a reminder of their journey throughout the year. These certificates represent more than just attendance; they symbolize their determination to invest in themselves and their future.

🌟 Reflecting on an Incredible Milestone: Our First Leadership Seminar in Laos Part 1 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and donors who made this event possible. Your generosity and belief in our mission created an opportunity for our mentees to grow, connect, and dream bigger.

During the seminar, we explored transformative topics such as leadership and communication skills, the "doors of life," and the four essential people we need in our lives to succeed. Watching the mentees engage and uncover new perspectives was truly inspiring.

Our goal for the seminar was to empower our mentees to lead with confidence and purpose.