Vientiane Capital, 21 July 2023 – The European Union and UNICEF handed over vital ICT equipment, including a video conferencing system, 22 projectors, 191 laptops, 40 printers, and a photocopier, to the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR today. This significant contribution valued at around $100,000 (EUR92,500) part of a broader initiative under the Partnership to Strengthen the Education System (PSES), is aimed at bolstering the Ministry’s efforts in streamlining the education sector’s annual business cycle.
“Current global challenges have underscored the necessity for a robust, efficient education management system in Lao PDR,” stated H.E. Mme. Khanthaly Siriphongphanh, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Education and Sports. “We express our gratitude towards the European Union and UNICEF for standing by us in our mission to support the education sector during these challenging times.”
The provided equipment will improve the ability to monitor the education system, from the local to the central level. It will be used to improve efficiency of yearly planning, budgeting, and monitoring. A key part of this project is training department staff to improve their analysis skills and focus on achieving results.
“The European Union sees the strengthening of the education sector in Lao PDR as a priority,” said H.E Ms. Ina Marčiulionytė, the European Union Ambassador to the Lao PDR. “We are pleased to invest in the education sector. This equipment is part of our commitment to support improvements in the education sector governance. Investing in education pays dividends and we look forward to the long-term impact of our support.”
Data collected and analysed in this work will be integrated with the Lao PDR Education and Sports Management Information System, also developed under PSES. The new equipment will facilitate full ICT-enablement of these processes, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Representative to Lao PDR, commented, “As UNICEF Lao PDR celebrates its 50-year commitment to education, assisting the Ministry of
Education and Sports with improved data monitoring and management tools remains a critical task, particularly during a time when the country is focusing on its post-COVID-19 learning recovery. This emphasis on data-driven strategies significantly enhances planning efficiencies, a crucial element if children are to receive a quality education. We are grateful for the European Union’s partnership in addressing these pivotal challenges, and for their broader contribution to the education sector, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Lao PDR.”
The equipment will be distributed to relevant departments within the Ministry of Education and Sports, augmenting the overall capacity of the Ministry and marking a significant stride towards an improved and technologically advanced education system in Lao PDR.