(KPL) – The Government of Japan is providing grant assistance worth approximately USD 200,000 for two education projects in Savannakhet Province and Oudomxay Province for the benefit of their students through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The projects support the construction of new school classroom buildings and toilet facilities as well as the provision of school furniture at both Nakapong Lower Secondary School in Savannakhet Province and Nahom Primary School in Oudomxay Province to improve their educational and sanitary environments.

The grant agreements were signed by Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao P.D.R. and representatives of the provincial authorities, witnessed by Ms. Lingthong Sengtavanh, Vice Governor of Savannakhet Province and Mr. Somchith Payasak, Vice Governor of Oudomxay Province.

            Speaking on behalf of both provinces, Ms. Lingthong, Savannakhet Vice Governor said that Japan had contributed to the socio-economic development of both provinces in various fields, including education, through both grant aid and technical cooperation, including the dispatch of experts and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs).

“Japan’s effective support, including the enhancement of teacher quality through the improvement of teacher training colleges and the development of math textbooks, are well known in both provinces and throughout the country”, Ms. Lingthong said.

“This generous support at this time is also very important for both provinces to create a safe and secure environment for children to achieve their learning outcomes, in terms of fostering valuable human resources for the future.”

“At Nakapong Lower Secondary School, classes have been held under overcrowded conditions due to insufficiency in classrooms when compared to the number of students. At Nahom Primary School, the existing school building is severely damaged due to aging, with immediate action required to ensure the safety of students and teachers. The number of toilets in both schools is significantly insufficient compared to the number of students, which is a concern for the deterioration of the sanitary environment.” Ambassador Kobayashi said.

“We hope that Japan’s support will improve the learning environment for the generations of students who will grow up to be the future of Laos, as well as improve the working environment for teachers and staff and the sanitary environment of the entire school”, he added.

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) provides funds for relatively small-scale projects that directly benefit local residents by supporting economic and social development in developing countries including the Lao PDR.

The Government of Japan has provided more than USD 1.02 million to Savannakhet Province and USD 730,000 to Oudomxay Province over the past five years to support education, health, infrastructure, and other areas. In a shared effort to address regional disparities in socio-economic development, Japan will continue to support initiatives to improve the basic standard of living at the grassroots level in the Lao PDR to ensure “no one is left behind”.

KPL