Govt’s new development plan targets improvements in education

The government has announced at least 20 major and priority education projects under the new draft of the five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan from 2021-2025.
Four of the projects will be financed by the government and include the construction of dormitories for secondary school students, construction of laboratories, the renovation and construction of schools, and improved standards of hygiene in schools.
Twelve other projects will be financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA), while seven ongoing ODA-financed projects will continue.
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith presented the draft plan at the 11th Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party last week. The draft was approved by the congress.

Through ODA support for the five-year plan, the government has offered to improve facilities and laboratory equipment at the National University of Laos and to strengthen training in the fields of engineering and technology for the development of industry.
Another project will improve the teaching of mathematics by primary school teachers. Also planned is training for staff at the Laos-Japan Institute, McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition programme, and Phase 3 of the Global Partnership for Education project. The government and development partners will continue to implement the Vocational Education Financing Facility project, which is taking place from 2018-2023, the Vocational Training and Employment Support Services project from 2019-2022, and the Vocational Education in Laos project from 2019-2022.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has drawn up an Education and Sports Sector Development Plan for 2021-2025 to support socio-economic development.
Under the plan, the ministry will encourage its departments to strengthen non-formal education, early childhood education, vocational education and other areas.
During the 11th Party Congress, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith outlined six main targets under the Socio-economic Development Plan for 2021-2025, including human resource development in the education sector.
The first goal is for Laos to maintain steady stable and sustainable economic growth.
Secondly, training will be stepped up to ensure people are better qualified to meet the demands of development, are able to conduct research, and know how to use science and technology to add value to goods and services.
Third, it is essential to improve people’s living conditions. Balancing environmental needs with a reduced risk of natural disasters is the fourth goal.
Fifth, the government will work to strengthen infrastructure and effectively utilise the country’s potential, opportunities and strategic locations, and participate in regional and international cooperation and integration.
The sixth goal is to enhance the efficiency of state management and administration so that equality, justice and order prevail in society and people receive protection through the enforcement of laws.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 19, 2021)