New libraries to help children develop good reading habits

The Department of Education and Sports of Vientiane province, along with Action with Lao Children (ALC), will carry out child development projects in Phonhong and Hinheup districts. 
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Lao Child Development Project by the Ministry of Education and Sport’s Department of General Education took place in Vientiane on Tuesday.

The project will run until December 31, 2021, with funding support being provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Oki Volunteer Cannon Inc., Gakushuin Women’s College, and individual donors to a total of US$433,000.
The project aims to improve the education of Lao children by encouraging good reading habits, promoting reading skills, and broadening access to reading and human development resources.
To this end, money will be used to build staffed libraries at several secondary schools as well as buy and print new reading materials.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ALC President Ms Chanthasone Inthavong said the ALC is inspired by the notion of Lao society becoming a reading society that elevates those who excel in education and learning. 
“Every school should have a library,” she said.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Director General of the Department of General Education, Mr Banchong Latthavanh, said he was proud of the support his department provided to general education.  Even though funding restrictions meant that not all educational needs could be met, money was made available for the most disadvantaged groups that had the most urgent needs. 
Mr Banchong promised to cooperate with the ALC in working towards the success of the project.  He said the department always welcomes comments and recommendations that might improve the processes and outcomes of the projects it is involved in. 

By Somxay Sengdara
(Latest Update May 16, 2019)