LuxDev’s joint donor field mission to Vientiane Province and Luang Prabang

Mid-November, Mr. Robert DE WAHA, resident representative of LuxDev's Asia Office, and the teams from the Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry (STAF) programme and the Local development programme welcomed representatives from the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the European Union, and the Ministry of Education and Sports for a four-day joint donor field mission to Vientiane Province and Luang Prabang.

The mission started in Vientiane Province with a visit to LuxDev's office to learn more about STAF and Local development programme activities. This was followed by a meeting with the Provincial Vice-Governor to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The team then visited the Vieng Kham campus of the Vientiane Province Technical College, where they gained insights into the college’s work and observed students undertaking a mushroom cultivation course, before visiting a mushroom farm run by a former graduate to better understand the commercial opportunities that these courses lead to.

The next day, the joint team visited Ban Nakhop, Meuang Feuang District, a target village for the Local development programme. They met with the village head and district representatives to explore the village development planning process. Highlights included:

• a new bridge and waste management site;
• A non-formal basic vocational training course on fermented fish production for income diversification.

The journey continued to Ban Naway, Hin Heub District, where the team engaged with local leaders on village planning. To wrap up the day, the mission visited the Vang Vieng Campus of the Technical College of Vientiane Province, supported through the STAF programme. Activities included:

• renovations with improved practical and accommodation facilities for students and staff;
• formal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum development on veterinary practices;
• discussions on the potential expansion and upgrade of The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant.

On the third day, the team visited Luang Prabang Province to see how TVET is creating real opportunities for young people.

They started at Luang Prabang Technical and Vocational College, meeting with the leadership team and touring the tourism and hospitality training facilities. From there, we walked to the Luang Prabang Hospitality Training Centre for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and official launch of its newly refurbished space – a big step forward for hands-on hospitality training.

In the afternoon, the team headed to the Northern Agriculture and Forestry College in Ban Viengsavan. After receiving information on the challenges the school is currently facing, they met students who were completing a formal TVET C1 course on pig raising. It was inspiring to see their dedication and practical skills in action.

The joint team wrapped up the day with an exchange session with the Green cup project, exploring new ways to collaborate on sustainability and innovation in TVET.

The joint team wrapped up the mission by visiting programmes that help people gain practical skills and improve their livelihoods.

Its first stop was the Non-Formal Training Centre in Ban Samakisai, Xieng Ngeun District. Here, they observed trainees completing a basic vocational training course on animal disease prevention – a skill that helps farmers keep their livestock healthy and protect their income.

Next, the team spoke with basic vocational training graduates from ethnic minorities about how their training is helping them earn money and support their families. Their stories demonstrate how vocational education can change lives.

Finally, they went to Living Land in Luang Prabang to meet a graduate now working as a gardener. This success story is a great example of how TVET programmes lead to real jobs and sustainable careers.

The last day of the mission underlined why skills development matters: it creates opportunities, improves incomes and builds a stronger future for communities across Lao PDR.

The mission team is grateful for the warm reception and the valuable discussions that strengthened collaboration. The visit ends here, but the work to build skills and create opportunities continues.

The Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry programme is co-financed by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

The Local development programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland. It is jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.