(KPL)The Lao government has awarded a Cross of Friendship from to the Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) of Japan in recognition of its good work with Lao children over the past 25 years.

The Cross of Friendship was awarded in Vientine  on August 18 and presented by Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Vansy Kuamua to the Country Director of SVA, Mr Kiyotaka Tamari, in the presence of senior ministry officials.
The Association has built facilities for children’s activities, helped to improve the learning environment at primary schools, and set up 48 children’s cultural centres around the country at a cost of US$2,722,000.
These activities have served to increase the friendly relations between Laos and Japan.
Mr Vansy said the ministry and the Shanti Volunteer Association had jointly worked to promote arts and culture among Lao children from 1995 to 2020.
The Association had helped children to better understand and love Lao culture, and the need to preserve cultural traditions.
The SVA has also run training courses for Lao officials, arranged cultural activities, and purchased instruments, equipment and storybooks for use by children’s cultural centers.
The work of the Association has given Lao children the opportunity to learn about various forms of culture and to broaden their experiences.
Cultural activities have been organized at the local, central, national and international levels.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr Kiyotaka said “We have been working with the culture and education sectors and began the “Children’s Home for Culture and Education” project in cooperation with the Japanese local administration called JICHIRO in 1996.”
“We organised classes in traditional Lao dance and music to ensure these important traditions were appreciated and preserved. We are glad to know that these activities have been continued by children’s cultural centers in all provinces of Laos.  
The SVA opened an office in Laos in 1992, which this year marks its 30th anniversary.

KPL