(KPL) U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Paul Mayer and the Public Affairs team from the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane traveled to Huaphan and Luang Prabang provinces in December to meet with provincial and district officials.  They then visited schools in four of the poorest districts in Laos and delivered English and Lao language text books, sporting equipment, and hygiene supplies for the children.

 The team met with the Vice Governor of Huaphan Province Chanseng Phimmavong, and Vice Governor of Luang Prabang province Khamdua Yiakuanheyvang and discussed progress and issues in the province.  The Vice Governor of Luang Prabang Province Khamdua Yiakuanheyvang hailed the visit of the DCM to the poorer districts of the province, and welcomed further assistance by the United States government to the area. 

 During the trip, DCM Mayer met with several district officials including Deputy District Governor  Khamphone Bounsavath of Huamuong district, the Deputy District Governor Lakhone Vonglasy of Hiem, as well as other local officials.  He learned about progress and challenges in the districts and discussed ways that the United States could provide assistance. 

 The U.S. Embassy team then visited four schools in four of the poorest districts in Laos, and spent quality time with the children, providing each school with English and Lao language books, hygiene supplies, and sports kits for the students.

DCM Mayer’s visit to Huaphan and Luang Prabang Provinces follows Ambassador Clune’s recent trip in November, demonstrating the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to education in the rural areas outside of the capital of the Lao PDR. These visits are designed in part to identify areas in which the United States and the Lao PDR can cooperate on issues related to education, development, and public health.

KPL