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LuxDev, Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency

• 2020
• • 27 July
  • By Siphachanh THYTHAVY
  • 
  • Asia Office LAO/033
  • Governance
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  Workshop Strengthens Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

  Through Project LAO/033, the Lao government is continuing to develop capacity among officials from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) through a two-day anti-corruption workshop, with a focus on the dangers of unethical practices and criminal behaviour in the country.

  Deputy Director General of the Department of Inspection of MPI, Mr Phouxay Phetsikham, who is also Vice President of the Ministry’s Inspection Committee, attended the anti-corruption workshop held in Vientiane from 21-22 July 2020. During the training, participants shared national and regional experiences in tackling corruption complaints. The meeting helped MPI officials to acknowledge their role and responsibilities towards fighting corruption.

  

  The workshop took place under the framework of the cooperation programme between the Lao and Luxembourgish governments to build the capacity of the country’s planning and investment officials. Specifically, the project is titled LAO/033 - Strengthening the Effectiveness of Official Development Assistance (ODA) Management in Lao PDR.

  Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Phouxay stated that the government was placing utmost importance on carrying out inspections and monitoring expenditure, which is a key part of its anti-corruption operations.

  

  

  “The meeting is important for improving the knowledge and experience of the officials who undertake inspections, namely those from the Ministry of Planning and Investment,” he said. Corruption causes great loss to the state and individuals while hindering and delaying the socio-economic development of a country, according to the Ministry’s Inspection Committee. Corruption means the act of an official who opportunistically misuses their position, powers, or duties to embezzle, swindle or receive bribes or any other type of reward. The Lao government is aiming to improve its capacities, both in terms of legislation and human resources, to continue its fight against corruption.

  The government is continuing to improve the legislation to combat corruption, via the Law on Anti-Corruption and the establishment of state inspection authorities at all administrative levels and sectors, while enacting the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, the Law on Extradition, and the amended Penal Code.

  Laos signed the United Nations Convention against Corruption on December 10, 2003, and ratified it on September 25, 2009, alongside 186 State Parties, according to the State Inspection and Anti-Corruption Authority.

   

   

   

   

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• • 13 July
  • By Undraa BAYANAA
  • 
  • Asia Office LAO/027
  • Health
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  LAOS - COVID-19 Nasal pharyngeal sample taking training

  Luxembourg Cooperation through its Lao-Luxembourg Health support program (LAO/027) is continually supporting the Lao PDR in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

  Infection prevention and control (IPC) is vital in minimizing the harm caused by the spread of infection. In this regard, the LAO/027 project, in close cooperation with the National Centre of Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), has been providing guidance and training to enhance cleaning practices in health facilities, as well as COVID-19 nasopharyngeal specimen collection trainings for frontline health workers. 

  Aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, the trainings and guidance have been delivered to 68 health workers from the three central provinces of Vientiane (VTE), Bolikhamxay (BLX) and Khammouane (KMN), for a total amount of LAK 51,044,000 (5,050 EUR).

  COVID-19 sample taking training, Vientiane Province (June 16, 2020)

  The main objective of the training courses was to better prepare the provincial and district hospital staff in taking samples to identify individuals carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

  Upon completion of the training, the hospital staff (mainly laboratory technicians and frontline nurses) should be able to safely collect nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals with suggestive symptoms, known to have been exposed or to have the coronavirus, for testing purposes. Furthermore, the participants have learned to safely package and transport the samples to a reference laboratory following international safety procedures and guidelines.

  

  Use of PPE, practical training, Bolikhamxay Province (June, 2020)

  More specifically, the training consisted of half a day theory, focusing on:

  • self-protection during patient contact (the proper use of N95 masks, the use, donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the safety principles of laboratory biohazard);
  • the proper technique for collecting COVID-19 specimens by using the nasal pharyngeal swab technique;
  • the proper transfer of the sample collection to the central laboratory;
  • disinfection methods; and
  • clinical waste management.

  The training also consisted of half a day of practical training, focusing on:

  • practical exercises and real sample taking using the nasopharyngeal swab technique;
  • the use of PPE by strictly following the safety steps and guidelines.

  COVID-19 Sample Taking Training, Vientiane Province (June 16, 2020)

  During the practical session, the participants had the opportunity to practice the nasopharyngeal swab technique, sample packing and sample transportation to the NCLE. Moreover, the health staff were trained on the use of PPE, cleaning and the disinfection of premises.

  The training sessions were held:

  • In VTE Province: 20 participants (the training was divided into 2 batches of 10 people consisting of 6 staff from the Provincial Hospital, 14 staff from 11 district hospitals); training organised on 15-16 June (batch 1) and 17-18 June (batch 2) at the Vientiane Provincial Hospital.
  • In BLX Province:  15 participants (12 lab staff from six district hospitals, 2 lab staff from BLX Provincial Hospital and 1 lab staff from the Provincial Health Department); training organised on 24-25 June 2020.
  • In KMN Province:  33 participants (the training was divided into 3 batches consisting of 3 lab technicians from KMN provincial hospital, 10 lab technicians from 10 districts, 2 lab technicians from the military hospital, 18 lab technicians from KMN community hospitals); training organised on 1st of July (batch 1 with NCLE), on 7-8 July (batch 2) and 9-10 July (batch 3). 

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• • 2 July
  • By Do Hoang Le Cam
  • 
  • Asia Office VIE/032
  • Inclusive and innovative finance
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  VIETNAM - Improving securities knowledge through online training

  As an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a first online course was organized by the Securities Research and Training Center (SRTC), under the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC), with funding for training equipment and digitalised content provided by Project VIE/032 – Support Vietnam’s Securities Market Consolidation and Improve Training Capacities. The course on “Law on Securities and Stock Market” has been on the wish list of many market participants since the beginning of the year, when the virus outbreak started to prevent all gatherings.

  Mrs. Ta Thanh Binh – First “online” trainer for the SRTC “Law on Securities and Stock market” course

  The training not only complied with the requirement of social distancing, but also serves as a milestone for the dissemination of securities knowledge for the SRTC’s first online dissemination activity regarding securities knowledge. Mrs. Ta Thanh Binh, Trainer and General Director of the Market Development Department of SSC, stated that “Investors or those who need a certificate to perform as market practitioners will have access to the required knowledge in the most convenient way, which is also more widely disseminated. Students are excited about the convenience and the time gained with this form of learning form, which is both trendy and necessary, especially for those who come from remote geographical areas”.

  

  

  The digitalisation of the securities knowledge training programs actually has been a part of SRTC’s strategic plan for a while, but was not realised until VIE/032 stepped in to support the centre to keep up with a modern teaching & learning style and the high demand of learners. In the near future, more trainings will be conducted by using the technical infrastructure supported by the project with the aim of improving the quality and of diversifying the training products of SRTC, given that it is the only securities training institution for the time being. Practitioners and investors now have a better choice of courses with flexible timeframes and better fees.

  

  

  On the opening day of the course – a milestone for SRTC - on behalf of a beneficiary, Mr. Hoang Manh Hung, Director, was happy to state that his centre “will apply information technology to deliver knowledge to the web system and provide software for students, and that the knowledge will be accessible for not only domestic investors but also international investors who consider investments in Vietnam.”

  The training course titled “Law on Securities and Stock Market” takes place at 17:30 – 21:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10 June and 10 July 2020.

   

   

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• • 2 July
  • By Siphachanh THYTHAVY
  • 
  • Asia Office LAO/033
  • Governance
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  LAOS - Rendering Official development assistance (ODA) coordination and management more effective

  On 23 June 2020, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) officially launched the new ODA mobilisation strategy 2030. The promulgation ceremony took place in Vientiane Capital and was chaired by Dr. Kikeo Chanthaboury, Deputy Minister of MPI and co-chaired by Mr. Sam Schreiner, Chargé d´Affaires of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Vientiane. The development of the ODA Strategy is part of the ongoing support provided by the Government of Luxembourg under the project LAO/033 - Strengthening the Effectiveness of ODA Management in the LAO PDR, which aims to increase the effectiveness of Lao key agencies in managing and coordinating ODA.

  

  While there have been many achievements over the last years, there is still a need to continue improving development cooperation effectiveness in Lao PDR, to improve the effectiveness of the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat and strengthening MPI’s Department of International Cooperation’s capacity to manage ODA effectively as well as to further improve working practices with national and international stakeholders. 

  In order to manage ODA more effectively, there is a need to clarify the regulatory framework around ODA and to develop a comprehensive ODA mobilization strategy. Coordination with other actors, particularly the line ministries, provinces and the development partners needs to be strengthened.

  The recent Mid-Term Review of the Lao PDR’s 8th National Socio-economic Development Plan (NSEDP) showed that, with the least-developed country (LDC) graduation expected by 2024, ODA will likely be declining in the next years. Therefore, it is even more important to adapt this new development context and to use ODA resources effectively.

  For ODA to be a more effective resource for the implementation of the NSEDP and the SDGs, the key Lao agencies in charge of managing and coordinating ODA in the Lao PDR need to be able to carry out that role effectively.

  Having more effective ODA financing for the implementation of the national development plan and the achievement of SDGs will naturally benefit the entire population of Laos, and in particular the poor.

  The Lao government recognises the past difficulties of aligning development planning and financing. In the next cycle of the NSEDP, the government is committed to ensure that funding allocation is timely and aligned with the country’s overall development priorities.

  Reflecting all ODA financed interventions in the national budgets is not only contributing to enhanced transparency, but also supports harmonisation of planning and financing. Ensuring public funding contribution provided by the government in ODA interventions will in turn cater for greater commitment of the Government and improved sustainability.

  

  Developing an ODA Strategy will provide a vision and priorities for Department of International Cooperation (DIC) in terms of ODA management and coordination. Additionally, it will provide clarity on aspects such as ODA mobilisation, harmonisation of planning and financing, reflecting ODA in the budget, national funding for ODA interventions, among others.

  At the event, Mr. Sam Schreiner also informed the participants, that the Embassy of Luxembourg to Lao PDR has officially launched the identification mission for the next Lao-Luxembourg medium-term development cooperation strategy, the Indicative Cooperation Programme V (ICP V). The next ICP seeks to deepen and strengthen the existing priorities of the Laos-Luxembourg development cooperation by further strengthening alignment with the SDGs and the Agenda 2030, as well as with the next NSEDP, in order to contribute to the overall goal of alleviating extreme poverty.

   

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• • 15 June
  • By Johnson Ong Chee Bin & Nguyen Thi My Ngoc
  • 
  • Asia Office LAO/031
  • Governance
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  LAOS - Assessor training workshop for programme assessment at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, National University of Laos

  First Ever Assessor Training via Online Facilitation

  The 3.5-day Assessor Training Workshop for Programme Assessment (Online) was held from 2 - 5 June 2020 and was jointly organised and hosted by Project LAO/031 - Support Programme for Legal Teaching and Training and to the Promotion of the Rule of Law Concept in Lao and the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP), National University of Laos (NUoL). This forms part of the objective to uplift the quality of legal education in Lao PDR to ASEAN standards, based on the Quality Assurance Framework of the AUN-QA Network.

  In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the workshop was held at Donnokkhoum Campus with strict observation of social distancing and wearing of personal protective equipment (such as face shields and face masks) coupled with online facilitation platform.  The workshop was presented by Mr. Johnson Ong Chee Bin, International Curriculum Development Specialist and Dr. Nguyen Thi My Ngoc, Regional Curriculum Development and Quality Specialist with Dr. Thanongsack Duangdala as the interpreter. It is the first ever assessor training held via online facilitation.

  Online Facilitation with Social Distancing Measures

  

  The Workshop Facilitators

  Experiential Assessor Training

  To equip participants with the strategic competencies to carry out quality assessment of study programmes based on the AUN-QA programme framework, the training workshop was designed to give the participants a hands-on experience following the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, with the key areas of training focusing on strategic competencies in desktop assessment, interviewing techniques, document reviews, and assessment report writing.

  Participant Presenting and Sharing the Desktop Assessment

  Stakeholder’s Interview - Role Play

  The expected learning outcomes of the workshop encompassed:

  • the principles of quality assessment;
  • distinguishing between rules-based and principles-based quality assessment;
  • demonstrating the competences to carry out the PDCA approach to study programme assessment; formulating questions;
  • conducting desktop assessment for a study programme;
  • conducting site assessment including stakeholders’ interviews, site tour and documentation review; and
  • writing quality assessment feedback and report.

  The workshop was graced and opened by the Vice Dean, Assoc. Prof. Bounthieng Phommachanh, with the active participation of 30 participants and 11 observers including the Dean, Vice-Deans, heads and faculty members and staff of administrative offices from the FLP and NUOL. 

  Group Photo

  Recommendations for Further Improvements

  During the workshop, some key issues were raised by the participants and the project experts, including the need to review and update the current vision and mission of the faculty to keep in alignment with NUoL and with the future timeframe beyond 2020. The elements of the vision, mission and educational philosophy are to be better aligned to the expected learning outcomes (ELOs) of the study programme. The definition of the category of knowledge, application, and skills for the ELOs need to be made clearer to ensure that there is no overlap and ambiguity between them. Besides, the faculty needs to have a policy to determine full-time equivalent (FTE) of academic staff so that the manpower resources needed for each study programme can be accurately accounted for. Tracer studies for graduates and benchmarking of outputs (pass rates, drop-out rates, employability, average time to graduate, research, stakeholder’s satisfaction) within and outside FLP need to be carried out in seeking best practices for continuous improvement.

  On the final day of the training, the workshop ended with an encouraging closing speech by the Dean of FLP, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viengvilay Thiengchanxay, after the presentation of certificates.

  Building a Pool of Internal Quality Assessors

  With the completion of the assessor training, FLP and NUoL have nurtured a pool of internal quality assessors to carry out self-assessment of their study programmes within the university and faculty. This capacity development exercise strengthens and enhances the capability of FLP and NUOL in quality assurance.

  Dean of the FLP, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viengvilay Thiengchanxay

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• • 12 June
  • By Siphachanh THYTHAVY
  • 
  • Asia Office LAO/033
  • Governance
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  LAOS - The upgrading of IT capacity and equipment reduces downtime and enhances productivity

  On 10th June 2020, Project LAO/033 – Strengthening the Effectiveness of ODA Management in Laos, handed over IT equipment to the Department of International Cooperation (DIC) and the Department of Inspection (DOI) of the Ministry of Planning and Investment as well as to the Department of International Organization (DIO) and the National Sustainable Development Goals Secretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  The upgrading of the IT systems and equipment is one of the priorities set out in the 2020 annual operational plan. This support is based on the findings and recommendations of the IT capacity assessment carried out jointly by LuxDev, DIC, DOI and SDG Secretariat in late 2019. The new IT equipment will enable DIC and the two other departments to better maintain their IT systems and to ensure the effective running of the iOffice system.

  

  The IT equipment handover ceremony is the culmination of a joint initiative from the end of 2019 and was attended by Sisomboun Ounavong, Director General Director of DIC, MPI, and various Director Generals and Deputy Director Generals from DIO and the SDG secretariat. Quentin Bourdeaux, LuxDev Resident Representative, had the honour of handing over the equipment.

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• • 29 May
  • By Sandrine THINNES
  • 
  • MYA/002
  • Socio-economic development
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  MYANMAR - Cope with the collateral damage caused by the measures taken to tackle Covid-19

  The Eastern Shan State Rural Development and Inclusion Project, MYA/002, works in 89 target villages with approximately 16 700 people. The targeted population consists of 100% ethnic minorities emerging from very insecure conditions (acutely remote, high altitude, former no-travel zones) and/or damaged areas (earthquake). These communities have very limited access to services and are totally reliable on self-sufficient agricultural and livestock production for survival.

  

  Commonly, this time of the year, the most vulnerable households are experiencing rice shortage which would be lessened via traditional coping mechanisms of finding daily wager work. These mechanisms are currently not available to the villagers in view of travel restrictions due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

  The Government of the Union of Myanmar has drafted a COVID-19 Response Plan consisting of 7 goals in which Goal 4 consists of Easing the Impact on Households via unconditional in-kind transfer to vulnerable households and at-risk population.

  The target population of the MYA/002 project falls to 100% under the definition of vulnerable and at-risk population. In view of the uncertainty of when lockdown measures might be lessened, the onset of the rainy season and the ploughing of rice fields, the MYA/002 target population is in need of in-kind support for food security reasons to sustain strength (caloric in-take) and resilience of the individuals. From recent exchanges with beneficiaries, many households are already facing hunger and malnutrition, which will also heighten the health impact of a possible local COVID-19 outbreak.

  MYA/002 supports all households in the target area with a 1-month ration of rice, oil and salt. Basic hygiene articles like soap will also be provided to support the COVID-19 prevention measures. The 1-month rice ration is renewable in case COVID-19 measures remain in place or destitute households need further support.

  

  MYA/002 coordinates the distribution of the in-kind support via the General Administration Department’s village tract clerks, the village chiefs and the village development committees already functional in parts of the targeted area to ensure the equitable distribution of the rations to the households in each of the 89 villages.

  The distribution started on 28 May 2020, the first 171 households of some 2 800 households were immensely grateful for the support even if they had to carry the rice bags on foot back to their village.

  The delivery and distribution of more than 250 tons of goods will continue over the next few weeks in the MYA/002 project area.

  

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• • 21 May
  • By Project MYA/002
  • 
  • Asia Office MYA/002
  • Socio-economic development
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  MYANMAR - No one will be left behind

  Luxembourg development cooperation promotes cultural diversity to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development through the Eastern Shan State Rural Development and Inclusion Project-MYA/002, in a region where the majority of the population is facing many cultural, political, economic, and environmental challenges. The project adopts a direct financing modality, empowering local management structures such as village development committees via training and the application of appropriate technology, technical expertise and facilitation among targeted communities.

  One of the main hypotheses of the project's strategy suggests that the phased cooperation and necessary interdependence for new activities will gradually improve attitudes and practices in social organisation, which is to be based on mutual respect, resource sharing, community development and informed governance.

  See the project in action here:

  

  Benefits and impact to date:

  • More than 7,200 people currently have access to clean water in their homes;
  • 256 households have a sustainable supply of electricity for household lightening and small electric appliances through a pico-hydropower system;
  • 44 community tea farms and 171 individual coffee farms were established with a survival rate of 95% of seedling production;
  • Implementation of 5 model pig farms with selected farmers, resulting in spontaneous replication of household pig farming in 5 of the poorest villages;
  • 3,935 people trained in operation and maintenance of village water and electricity systems, safe drinking water production, solid waste management, basic animal healthcare, livestock breeding, agricultural production, village development, and vocational training (sewing course).

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• • 29 April
  • By LAO/029
  • 
  • LAO/029
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  LAOS - Learning is a never-ending journey like Oudone journey.Capacity building

  Oudone Thangsombath is a teacher at Champasack Technical and Vocational Education College. “Because I did not graduate from a teacher training college, I lacked pedagogical skills. It made my teaching really hard in the past. Until I joined the ASEAN National Trainers and Assessors Programme supported by Skills and Tourism Project - LAO/029 to further develop my teaching skills, now I have more hands-on and practical experiences. I am confident to pass this knowledge and skills to my students”.

  

  ↑ To the top
• • 27 April
  • By Ben Wandivinit
  • 
  • Asia Office LAO/029
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  LAOS - Making change happen in BolikhamxayThe stories of Phailana Mounjampy and Phouvilay Thadavong, the teachers from Bolikhamxay province

  Phailana is standing in front of her class, smiling and confident. The students are looking up to her and listen as she is explaining the difference between white wine and red wine and how they accompany various dishes.

  Seeing her interact with her students and hearing her talk about the service sector with such passion, you would not have guessed that there was a time she did not feel so comfortable teaching.

  "In the beginning, I was much more nervous," says the 22-year-old, "but through practice I have become more and more confident." Phailana Mounjampy, The young teacher is giving classes to students of the diploma in Food and Beverage Services at Bolikhamxay Technical School in Paksan. The school also offers a diploma in Food Production which is taught by teacher, Phouvilay.

  Phailana (left) and Phouvilay (right). Credit Phoonsab Thevongsa

  Both of them were recruited after they respectively completed the diplomas in Food and Beverage Service Operations and Food and Beverage Production Operations at the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH). They were recipients of a full scholarship for their studies provided by the LAO/029 - Skills for Tourism Project.

  Telling us about their experiences, the young women fondly recollect what they liked most about their time at LANITH.

  “I learned the real art behind the service sector, from setting up tables to greeting guests” explains Phailana. “And I started to approach things in a more structured way,” she says. “They were also very strict,” exclaims Phouvilay, adding, “but in a good way. And they treated all students equally, which I really appreciated.”

  While Phailana had a clear vision of her future from the start and applied for the scholarship the moment she heard of it, Phouvilay’s path was not as straightforward. Unsure about working in the service sector, Phouvilay submitted her application with some hesitation. Yet, in spite of the programme’s competitiveness and high number of applicants, she made the cut!

  With a cheeky smile she recalls the moment she received the offer. "I almost dropped my papaya salad," she chuckles. Much to her own surprise, Phouvilay came to like the course and it sparked a real interest in her for the hospitality sector. 

  Both teachers hope to kindle the same enthusiasm among their students. Phouvilay goes on to clarify: "Before I started at LANITH, I had no idea about European or international food, I never even tried it before. It really opened my eyes!” It is that kind of passion and curiosity she now wants to instill in her students. “I see myself in them,” she says. “That’s why I want to keep them motivated and show them all the different opportunities that the sector has to offer.” Phailana nods in agreement, “I get so happy when I see my students progressing. That’s the best part of being a teacher!”

  The diplomas in Food and Beverage Service Operations and Food and Beverage Production Operations at the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) were supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), to provide people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to find their first job in the tourism and hospitality sector.

  The Skills for Tourism Project is co-financed by the Governments of Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) of Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

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