Officials, teachers and representatives of the Saemaul Foundation gather for a group photo at the opening of a new computer classroom in Vientiane on Wednesday.

Saemaul Foundation opens computer classrooms in Pakngum district

The Saemaul Foundation’s Laos Office has inaugurated new computer classrooms at Somsavath School and Don Secondary School in Pakngum district of Vientiane, with the aim of improving digital education opportunities for local students.
The official launch ceremonies, held on September 10, were attended by the Governor of Pakngum district, Mr Kongmee Seesamout, and the Deputy Director of the Vientiane Department of Education and Sports, Mr Bounthan Sengmany, alongside principals, teachers, students and community representatives.

Students, teachers, officials and project sponsors pose for a photo in front of the newly established computer classroom.

The classrooms were established under the Cultural-Digital Saemaul Undong Project, supported by Gyeongsangbuk-do province of the Republic of Korea.
The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing modern learning facilities while promoting the community-driven spirit of Korea’s Saemaul Movement, which contributed significantly to rural development and economic growth in the 1970s.
As part of the project, each school received upgraded facilities, including 11 computers, a 75-inch television, printer, speakers, desks, chairs and cabinets. The classrooms will serve as multifunctional spaces for online conferences and collaborative learning.
Speaking at the event, Mr Kongmee expressed his appreciation for the support, noting that the Saemaul Pilot Village Development Project in Pakngum district has already shown strong results through active community participation. He emphasised that closer cooperation between schools and communities will help improve the education system and support sustainable development.
Mr Bounthan highlighted the importance of expanding digital accessibility in the era of artificial intelligence, and said the new facilities will allow young Lao students, the future of the nation, to learn in a more modern environment.
The Director of the Saemaul Foundation’s Laos Office, Ms Moon Sunghye, thanked the Department of Education and Sports and district authorities for their collaboration. She noted that while the support may appear modest, it represents a meaningful step in strengthening digital literacy and building students’ capacity in computer education.
The Saemaul Foundation has pledged to continue monitoring and supporting the classrooms to ensure their sustainable use, thereby expanding digital opportunities for students and contributing to community development in Pakngum district.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update September 12, 2025)