Mr Sirisack Thanomhak (right) ​shakes hands​ with Mr Keo Chanthalangsy after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on funding support.

Japan provides US$1.3m to improve learning in Saravan schools

World Vision Japan and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have provided US$1.3 million to help improve learning in 20 kindergarten and primary schools in Toumlan district, Saravan province, to ensure children can read Lao language with comprehension and fluency.
A Memorandum of Understanding to kick off the project was signed recently in Saravan province between the Head of the provincial​ Education​ and​ Sports​ Department​, Mr Sirisack Thanomhak, and a representative of World Vision Laos, Mr Keo Chanthalangsy.​
The initiative aims to improve children’s learning, especially with regard to reading, and improve learning outcomes in schools in Toumlan district, with a focus on underprivileged children and emphasising inclusion and gender equity.
The programme will also encourage child care workers and volunteers to support children’s development, according to a Saravan provincial official.​
The project will run for four years from 2023 to 2026 and involve more than 28,000 people in 20 villages.
Saravan is not the only province to receive support in the field of education from the Japanese government, which has provided numerous forms of assistance for education and job training, as well as overall and socio-economic development in Laos.
This year the Japanese government is providing grant assistance for the benefit of students and teachers in Champassak province through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.
The scheme is supporting the construction of a new school and toilets, and the provision of furniture, at Nonenyang Secondary School, to improve the educational and sanitary environment.
Last year the Japanese government donated 32 containers of canned fish weighing 402 metric tons and worth US$3.6 million to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The donation meant that more than 132,400 children in 1,423 primary schools enjoyed healthy lunches prepared with tinned Japanese mackerel and sardines.
The Japanese government and people also provided grant aid of US$18 million to upgrade eight teacher training colleges in 2022, with Japan’s assistance making a significant contribution to the Lao government’s efforts to improve the learning environment for both teachers and students.
In addition, the Japanese government provides funding for short training courses and scholarships under its JDS scheme each year, to broaden the knowledge and skills of Lao government officials through masters and doctorate programmes at Japanese universities.

By Times​ Reporters​
 (Latest Update May 17, 2023)