Ethnic students in Vientiane province have new school

More than 500 students in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province are now able to study in a modern and top quality school.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) handed over the Vangvieng Ethnic Secondary School at a ceremony on November 26.

The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Park Jae-Hyun, Vice President of KOICA, Mr Ahn Dong-Won, Governor of Vientiane province, Mr Khammeung Phongthady, and KOICA Resident Representative to Laos, Mr Sung Choon-Ki.

KOICA provided grant aid of around US$2.89 million to construct the school which covers an area of 6,400 square metres and consists of 20 classrooms and 76 dormitory rooms.

The school will replace old ones in Vangvieng and Xaysomboun districts and will benefit disadvantaged students from various ethnic groups.

“This school will contribute to human resources development and improve the quality of education through better equipment and facilities. The Korean government will continue its support for Laos to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and other education sector development objectives, which are vital for overall development,” said Mr Park.

“This school means the orphans and disadvantaged students of Vientiane province can study in more comfortable conditions. I expect the students will become talented people leading the future development of Laos,” said Mr Ahn.

Improving the education sector in Laos and developing human resources is a top priority for KOICA. Over the past three years the agency has provided US$3 million in assistance to the Lao government to publish textbooks for secondary school students.

By Vientiane Times Reporters
December 04, 2009