The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant assistance worth approximately USD 470,000 for primary education for ethnic minority children in Oudomxay.

The grant contract was signed on Jan 3 between Mr. Nakano Junya, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan to the Lao PDR, and Ms. Suzumura Kumiko, Representative of Plan International Japan Laos Office, a Japanese public interest incorporated foundation.

The grant will fund activities for “Basic Education for Ethnic Minority Children in Oudomxay Province” for twelve months.

This grant assistance is 3rd round for the project starting from 2019.

The project aims to provide primary education to enhance the basic academic skills and to improve the educational environment for ethnic students in Pakbeng District, Oudomxay Province.

This area is situated in a heavily mountainous area along the Mekong River with a high poverty rate. Around 90% of the population in Oudomxay are from ethnic groups who don’t speak Lao as a first language.

This project will provide support to 21 pre-primary schools and 30 primary schools in the district through capacity building of teachers, the provision of materials, raising parental awareness on child education and gender equality, as well as providing a preparation for primary schools.

Furthermore, it will contribute towards the construction of pre-primary school buildings and sanitation facilities in three villages within the district. This project commenced in December 2019 and is expected to finish in January 2023.

Plan International Japan commenced its activities in the Lao PDR in 2006. The foundation has implemented many projects to improve maternal and child health care services, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infant child care, and to promote gender equality and child protection in collaboration with the Government of Japan. Through their activities, Plan International Japan has contributed to improving the living conditions of these people.

The government of Japan has reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue to support Plan International Japan and appreciates their ongoing work at grassroots level which has continued despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Lao News Agency