Ambassador Grata Endah Werdaningtyas last week closes the 2024 Indonesian Language Course for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) at the Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane, joined by students, government and private employees, and military personnel, who took part and received certificates on the day. Ambassador Grata thanked all those who had attended the six-month course and supported the Embassy by boosting relations between the two nations through people-to-people links. More courses will be taught next year and beyond. The closing ceremony was attended by BIPA teachers, members of the Laos-Indonesia Friendship Association, officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defence and National University of Laos, and BIPA alumni who received Indonesian government scholarships.

Lao Red Cross staff stand ready to help out in the event of an emergency during the That Luang festival, which is taking place in Vientiane from November 11-15. --Photo Pasaxon

The Australian Embassy supports the Weaving Handicraft Promotion Centre in Luang Namtha province, where five women’s weaving groups from three districts were recently given training on the design of clothes, natural dyeing processes, and weaving of bamboo bags. These women gained new skills, making their products more competitive in the Lao and international handicraft market. Through the Small Grants Programme, Australia has been able to support programmes like this to increase income opportunities for women and enhance economic opportunities for local communities.  --Photo Australia in Laos