USAID gives boost to higher education in Laos

The launch of the Laos Higher Education for Accelerated Development (LEAD) project, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), marks a significant step forward in advancing higher education in Laos.
The project is supervised by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Sports in cooperation with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, and aims to improve access to high-quality, market-relevant higher education that supports the socio-economic development of Laos.

Dr Lavanh Vongkhamsane (right) and Mr Paul Kaiser sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the upgrade of higher education.

A Memorandum of Understanding on the project was signed in Vientiane on Monday by the Director General of the Department of Higher Education, Assoc Prof. Dr Lavanh Vongkhamsane, and Chief of Party RTI-LEAD project, Mr Paul Kaiser.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dr Samlane Phankhavong and the US Ambassador to Laos, Ms Heather Variava, along with senior officials from the ministries of Education and Sports and Foreign Affairs, USAID, the LEAD Project, National University of Laos, Souphanouvong University, Savannakhet University, Champassak University, and the University of Health Sciences. 
The project will be implemented in Vientiane and the provinces of Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak with a total budget of US$7.87 million.
The initiative represents a shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, modernising academic programmes, advancing 21st-century workforce skills, expanding scholarship and exchange programmes, and developing English language proficiency across higher education institutions.
Highlighting the importance of the collaboration between Laos and the United States, Dr Samlane said “This partnership with USAID on the LEAD project is essential to our efforts to enhance higher education in Laos.” 
“Together, we can ensure that our higher education institutions equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global environment.”
US Ambassador Heather Variava noted the expanding partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the five public universities, under the US Laos Comprehensive Partnership. 
“We are fortunate to partner with the Ministry of Education and Sports, especially the Department of Higher Education, to strengthen the institutional capacity of the five public universities,” Ambassador Variava said. 
“This partnership will enable us to leverage resources, share expertise, and develop strategies that respond to the unique challenges faced by higher education institutions in Laos.”
By working together, USAID and the Department of Higher Education will promote the development of academic programmes that are more responsive to market demands, enhance research expertise and hands-on skills for teachers and students, facilitate well-functioning university networks, and expand scholarship and exchange opportunities.
The ultimate result will lead to improved higher education that supports social and economic progress in Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update December 17, 2024)