Senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports and European development partners convene in Vientiane on Tuesday to review the progress of the STAF Programme.

STAF programme enhances vocational skills, creating brighter future for Laos

The Steering Committee of the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry (STAF) Programme has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing vocational education in Laos, following a review of its 2025 achievements and the endorsement of an ambitious operational plan for 2026.
Meeting in Vientiane on March17, the committee highlighted the programme’s pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s human resources.
The session was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Mr Kingmano Phommahaxay; the Ambassador of the European Union to Laos, Mr Mark Gallagher; the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Luxembourg, Mr Thomas Lammar; and the Regional Director of Cooperation for the

Stakeholders and students in a hospitality training course share a moment during a visit to a vocational training facility.

Mekong Region for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Mr Jean-Gabriel Duss.
Mr Kingmano said the STAF Programme is a cornerstone of the government’s long-term vision. He noted its close alignment with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030, as well as the specific sector development plans for Education, Science, Sports, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“This strategic approach positions the STAF Programme to contribute to the accomplishment of key targets in technical and vocational education and training, and vocational skills development more broadly, in the coming years,” he said.
The year 2025 marked a period of significant growth for the initiative. Reports revealed that over 4,900 participants enrolled in STAF-supported training courses across the vital sectors of tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and forestry.
Notably, the programme remains dedicated to the principle of “leaving no one behind”.
Approximately 89 percent of participants originated from disadvantaged backgrounds. This inclusive reach included 750 students who were granted full scholarships to pursue Certificate Level 1 formal TVET courses, providing a vital pathway to stable employment.
Beyond student enrolment, the programme has invested heavily in the quality of instruction.
In 2025, 187 teachers and trainers across both formal and non-formal vocational systems underwent professional development. This training ensures that the skills being taught remain relevant to the evolving demands of the Lao labour market.
As a flagship project of the European Union’s “Global Gateway” initiative, STAF continues to benefit from robust international backing.
Mr Mark Gallagher commended the completion of major upgrades to practical training facilities at the Technical College in Vientiane province and the Luang Prabang Technical College.
Looking ahead, a further 2 million EUR investment is slated for the construction and fit-out of a new practical training hotel and restaurant at the Champasak Technical College in Pakse. This expansion is supported by an additional one million EUR contribution from the European Union.
Mr Thomas Lammar of the Embassy of Luxembourg reiterated the importance of these investments: “Together with our Lao and European partners, Luxembourg is proud to support the STAF Programme... We believe that investing in skills is key to empowering individuals and fostering inclusive economic growth.”
The approved 2026 work plan focuses on operationalising the TVET Development Fund. Mr Jean-Gabriel Duss of the SDC praised the Ministry of Education and Sports for approving the operations manual, describing it as a milestone that allows essential structures to move forward.
Team Europe and its partners will continue to finance key operating costs, including human resources, for the next two years. Furthermore, the 2026 budget includes support for the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to enhance the Lao Labour Market Information System and Public Employment Service.
The STAF Programme is a six-year initiative (2023-2028) with a total budget of 26.18 million EUR. It is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the European Union, and is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports in collaboration with LuxDev.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update March 18, 2026 )