Project leaders pose for a group photo with university representatives and Ministry of Education and Sports officials at the launch of the project in Vientiane. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Education and Sports and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Monday (Jan 13) officially launched the Laos Higher Education for Accelerated Development (LEAD) project to enhance the quality and market relevance of higher education in Laos.
This initiative, funded by USAID, aims to improve access to high-quality, market-relevant higher education that supports the socio-economic development of Laos.
LEAD will support the five public universities: National University of Laos, Champassak University, Savannakhet University, Souphanouvong University, and the University of Health Sciences.
The launch was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dr Dalavone Kittiphan; US Ambassador to Laos, Heather Variava; USAID Country Representative to Laos, Michael McCord; Director General of the Department of Higher Education, Assistant Assoc. Prof. Dr Lavanh Vongkhamsane; Presidents and Vice Presidents from the five Lao public universities; and representatives of private higher education institutions and business associations.
Deputy Minister Dalavone thanked the United States for its continuous support to Laos’ education sector, saying "LEAD represents a significant contribution to our education sector’s development goals."
"The initiative contributes to Laos’ socio-economic development plan and the education sector development plan by strengthening educational institutions, developing modern curricula, and promoting 21st-century workforce skills at all five universities."
Ambassador Variava highlighted the expanding US partnership with the Ministry and the five public universities.
"This new initiative is well-aligned with the Ministry’s Education and Sports Sector Development Plan and underscores the United States’ steadfast commitment to education as a cornerstone for advancing the national development goals of Laos," Ambassador Variava said.
"This year marks 70 years since the United States opened an Embassy in Vientiane and 75 years since the first US diplomat was credentialed to Laos.
The launch ceremony today is a testament to the strong, longstanding, and expanding partnership between our two nations."
The LEAD project focuses on five key areas, namely building institutional capacity at participating universities, strengthening academic programmes through credit-based curriculum development, improving workforce readiness skills, supporting scholarships and professional development, and enhancing English language training.
The LEAD programme will provide opportunities for over 800 students, teachers, and adult learners to participate in short and long-term training as well as internships over the life of the project.
Senior Director of Teaching and Learning, International Education Division at RTI, the LEAD Project Manager, Dr Jennae Bulat highlighted the project’s evidence-based approach.
"LEAD is working with the Ministry of Education and Sports and university partners to systematically assess challenges and identify opportunities.
"This methodology will guide us in designing impactful activities that meet the specific needs of the universities, ensuring sustainable benefits that extend beyond the project's duration." - Vientiane Times/ANN
