A day in the life of a WHO driver Mr Sythong Souksysavad

Mr Sythong Souksysavad known to colleagues simply as Mr Teng has been working as a driver in WHO Lao Country Office since 2011. Mr Teng is well-liked by his colleagues as he is always smiling and is hardworking and courteous.

Mr Teng greeted us with a smile as we arrive at his house; he showed us the old house where the roof collapsed last year

Mr Teng’s family portrait, his family members have been eagerly anticipating and preparing for the visit from WHO team since 6 a.m

Mr Teng lives his wife, Noy and their two children, Kik (daughter) aged 15 and Sikot (son) aged 14; his wife worked as a seamstress in a nearby house (textile cottage industry) while his children are attending school.

Ms Noi has prepared breakfast for the family, and they are eating in the new house that is currently under construction

Mr Teng and his good friend, Mr Deng from work; Mr Deng come by and helps him occasionally with the construction

Mr Teng is grateful that his job in WHO helped pay for the construction of his house. He said “I managed to save up and buy the land here three years ago; now I have to buy bricks and cement to finish the construction of my home. Some colleagues have contributed some money to build the sanitation facilities.”

Every day, Mr Teng set off for work on his motorbike

In his spare time, Mr Teng enjoys playing soccer and is a proud member of the WHO soccer team

Mr Teng said “Working in WHO is like working with a big family, my good friends are here and the job allowed me to achieve my dream of building my own house and it pays for my children’s education. Mr Teng is a good humble family man and he tries to set a good example for his children.