NGOs to annually give US$ 15 m for education activities in Laos

VIENTIANE,AUG.(KPL)- More than 50 international non-government organisations (NGOs) and local Not-For-Profit Association (NPAs) are going to provide approximately US$ 15 million a year for implementing education activities until 2015.
The fund will be used for implementing quality education programmes in 17 provinces and Vientiane, according to a press release of the Ministry of Education and Sport.
Representatives of the NGOs and NPAs met those from the Ministry of Education and Sport at their first annual forum held in Vientiane yesterday.
The forum is designed to promote the enhancement of communication and information exchanging between donors and the government for implementing quality education programmes and activities across the country, including large-scale government programme Education For All-Fast Track Initiative, which is currently being implemented in 490 villages.
The aim of the meeting is to improve education in the country to narrow gap of education between Laos and neighbouring countries, according to Deputy Minister of Education and Sport Lytou Bouapao.
“The Forum will also provide opportunity for the MoES and NGOs and NPAs to devise collaborative solutions for challenges regarding the coordination and aligning education activities across the nation,” said Country Director of Save the Children Norway John Reinstin who is Representative of NGO community in Laos.