The Japanese Embassy to Laos last week holds a farewell party for 18 Lao nationals who received scholarships from the Japanese government and are now heading to Japan to begin their studies there. The event was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Koizumi Tsutomu; former Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong; Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Mr Kingmano Phommahaxay, and other officials.            --Photo Vientiane Mai

Lao Green Development Sole Co., Ltd. executives last week donate more than 340 million kip to the National University of Laos to finance the renovation of two lecture theatres in the English Department of the Faculty of Letters. Minister of Agriculture and Environment and President of the University Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, and other officials were present on the occasion. --Photo Education Science and Sport News

Representatives of the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Australian Embassy to Laos, the Eye Care Working Group and government officials from various provinces meet in Vientiane on Thursday to assess the achievements of the Strengthening Eye Health System Project. Participants celebrated the success of the project in strengthening Laos’ eye health system, in collaboration with the government and its partners. A proposal for Phase 2 of the project was accepted, subject to approval by the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs.

Vilabouly district authorities and other government officials supervise repairs to main roads in Savannakhet province last week. The cost of the repairs, amounting to US$2,350, is financed by Lane Xang Minerals Limited. --Photo Vientiane Mai