Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Japanese government has allocated over US$8.2 million (¥1.27 billion) to fund a project to improve provincial teacher development centers in nine provinces of Laos, aiming to enhance teacher training and the quality of basic education nationwide.
The project aims to establish an in-service training system by setting up teacher training centers in the nine provinces that currently lack teacher training colleges.
These nine provinces are Phongsali, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Huaphan, Sayaboury, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Sekong, and Attapeu. These centers will serve as training venues, providing educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to strengthen classroom teaching.
The Lao government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement in Vientiane on Tuesday to support the project.
The agreement was signed by Sisomboun Ounavong, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, and Ms. Kobayashi Miyako, Chief Representative of the JICA Lao Office.
Last month, Lao Ambassador to Japan, Ms. Phongsamouth Anlavan, and Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, signed an exchange of letters regarding this project during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone's visit to Japan.
To enhance the quality of teacher education and basic education, the Lao government and JICA have collaborated on several initiatives. These include strengthening teacher capacity to improve primary school mathematics curricula, aiming to enhance teachers' classroom skills and learning opportunities for students nationwide.
Furthermore, cooperation between different projects will further increase opportunities for in-service teachers to utilize new primary school mathematics textbooks, which have been revised through previous collaboration with JICA.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos. The two countries are long-term partners, cooperating in multiple fields, including education.
This grant-aid project underscores Japan's commitment to fostering closer bilateral relations and is an investment in Laos' future by supporting the capacity building of pre-service and in-service teachers to improve the quality of basic and higher education.
The planned construction of the project is expected to be completed in 2028. These centers will significantly improve the professional development of Lao educators and the overall quality of education in the coming years.
