The Swedish government has taken part in supporting Laos’ Ministry of Education with a donation of USD 12 million in the latter’s second phase of educational improvement project.
The second phase of the ministry’s project was launched in nine target provinces for the period from May 5, 2003 to December 31, 2007 with the aims to improve quality of education at the primary and secondary school levels. It also provides educational opportunity for disadvantaged girls in rural areas.
Under the project, unqualified teachers will be trained, old school buildings will be repaired and new ones constructed, and funds will be provided for educational administration, school maintenance, purchasing of teaching equipment and textbooks for schools.
The nine provinces include Bokeo, Champassak, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Saynhabouly, Vientiane, Luang Namtha, Saravan and Xieng Khouang.
Approximately USD 40 million will be spent on the project. Beside Sweden’s contribution, USD 20 million is an Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) loan and USD 8 million is an allocation from the Lao government.
The signatories to the documents were Mr. Litou Bouayao, Director of the Department of Planning Cooperation under the Ministry of Education, and Dr. Viman Kounavardeu, Managing Director of the TEAMS Consultant Company. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Borsengkham Vongdara, Deputy Minister of Education, together with other professional officials.
