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2021
- 26 November
- By Noémie Ginter
- Senegal Office SEN/032
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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SÉNÉGAL - Une formation professionnelle et technique mobileLa formation professionnelle et technique plus équitable pour tous : Réception de neuf nouvelles unités mobiles de formation
Ce vendredi 19 novembre 2021, M. Dame Diop, ministre de l’Emploi, de la Formation professionnelle, de l’Apprentissage et de l’Insertion de la République du Sénégal et M. Georges Ternes, ambassadeur du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg au Sénégal, ont réceptionné neuf nouvelles unités mobiles de formation professionnelle dans le cadre du programme SEN/032 - Formation professionnelle et technique et employabilité au Sénégal. Ces unités de formation mobiles sont destinées aux régions de Louga, Fatick, Diourbel, Kaolack, Matam, Saint-Louis, Kaffrine, Thiès et Dakar.

Le dispositif des unités mobiles de formation a pour but d’améliorer l’accès à la formation professionnelle au bénéfice des personnes pénalisées par leur éloignement. L’objectif majeur visé est de garantir un accès plus équitable à la formation professionnelle aux personnes vivant dans des zones rurales à faible niveau de revenus, où les effectifs ne justifient pas la construction de centres de formation professionnelle, et où l’offre de formation existante ne couvre pas certains besoins des secteurs économiques.

Ces unités mobiles sont destinées à dispenser une formation courte et qualifiante aux jeunes, aux organisations communautaires ou aux actifs productifs. Il s’agit de dispositifs innovants reposant sur des véhicules, constitués de cabines-ateliers aménagées et dûment équipées, capables de se déplacer dans des zones difficiles d’accès et dans lesquels il est incorporé l’ensemble du matériel pédagogique et de l’outillage nécessaires pour dispenser une formation.

Trois filières ont été identifiées :
- technologies de l’information et de la communication ;
- industrie ;
- transformation agroalimentaire.
Chacune des neuf régions sera ainsi dotée d’une unité mobile de formation:
- un fourgon agroalimentaire pour le centre de formation professionnelle de Kébémer dans la région de Louga ;
- un fourgon agroalimentaire pour le centre de formation professionnelle de Mbacké dans la région de Diourbel ;
- un fourgon industriel pour le lycée technique de Fatick dans la région du même nom ;
- un fourgon industriel pour le lycée technique EAN de Kaolack dans la région du même nom ;
- un fourgon industriel pour le centre de formation professionnelle de Ourossogui dans la région de Matam ;
- un fourgon industriel pour le centre régional de formation professionnelle de Saint-Louis dans la région du même nom ;
- un fourgon industriel pour le centre national de formation des maîtres d'enseignement technique professionnel de Kaffrine dans la région du même nom ;
- un bus technologies de l’information et de la communication pour le lycée technique FXN de Thiès dans la région du même nom; et
- un bus technologies de l’information et de la communication pour le lycée technique SLL de Pikine dans la région de Dakar.
Le programme Formation professionnelle et technique et employabilité, SEN/032 est financé par le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et mis en œuvre par LuxDev, l’agence luxembourgeoise pour la Coopération au développement

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- 26 November
- By LAO/029
- LAO/029
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - LaoSafe to drive improvements in health and hygiene practices for the tourism and hospitality sector
LaoSafe, a health and hygiene programme for the tourism and hospitality sector, has received official approval from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT)

LaoSafe comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including for accommodation providers, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides and drivers.

Operating under an Advisory Committee chaired by Mr Ounthuang Khaophan, Vice Minister of MICT, these standards have been developed with MICT in partnership with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), business associations including the Lao Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Lao Association of Travel Agents, the Lao Tour Guide Association, the Lao Van Association and key private sector partners including Lao Airlines, Lao Skyways, Crowne Plaza Hotel and more. The standards have then been independently reviewed and approved by the MoH.

Darany Phommavongsa, Director General of the Department of Tourism Management and Chair of the LaoSafe Coordination Committee, stated that ‘the goal of the LaoSafe programme is to provide a uniform standard, aligned with international good practices, to align health and hygiene practices across the industry – to improve quality, protect staff and visitors alike and to inspire confidence in tourists considering a trip to the Lao PDR. With a quality programme in place, the Lao tourism sector will be better prepared for a potential re-opening of the international borders.’

Supporting material, including guides and training material is available at www.tourismlaos.org and will be supplemented by training delivered initially by the Institute of Mass Media, Culture and Tourism (IMCT). When confident of meeting the required standards, businesses will be able to apply for assessment by the Department of Tourism Management, which will visit each business to conduct the assessment onsite. Businesses that pass will be accredited as LaoSafe and receive a range of offline and digital marketing collateral. They will also be listed under a special directory of approved businesses on www.tourismlaos.org and be part of the domestic and regional marketing of the LaoSafe programme. For businesses which do not pass the initial assessment, feedback will be provided, and once improvements have been implemented, these businesses will be able to retake the assessment.

Speaking during the design of the LaoSafe Programme Inthy Deuansavanh, Tourism Board Committee Member at the LNCCI, stressed ‘the importance of having a high quality and rigorous assessment protocol in place in order to build confidence in the programme and raise standards across the sector’.

The LaoSafe programme is currently being piloted in Vientiane, with trainers and assessors undergoing their initial training. Subject to Covid restrictions being eased, it is expected Food and Beverage businesses will be able to undergo training and assessment from November, with accommodation providers from January 2022. Expansion to other key tourism destinations can be expected early in 2022 following the official launch of the LaoSafe Programme in January.

During the pilot phase, training and assessment is being provided free of charge to businesses with the costs supported by the Skills for Tourism Project,LAO/029.

For more information, please visit www.tourismlaos.org or email laosafe@luxdev.lu.

Technical and financial support of the LaoSafe programme is being provided by the skills for tourism project, LAO/029. The skills for tourism project is co-financed by the Governments of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 22 November
- By Fatoumata Samaké
- Mali Office MLI/022
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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MALI - Quand les projets de formation et d’insertion professionnelles favorisent la microfinance
Le financement des projets des jeunes, une problématique cruciale pour l’Etat et ses partenaires

Au Mali, la question du financement des projets des jeunes demeure une problématique cruciale et complexe qui met en relation plusieurs acteurs à savoir les structures du secteur privé qui offrent des services financiers et non financiers, les jeunes demandeurs de financement, les structures d’accompagnement. Aussi, cette problématique est indissociable de celle de la formation professionnelle.

Ainsi, dans le cadre des Programmes indicatifs de Coopération (PIC) II et III entre le Gouvernement du Mali et celui du Grand-Duché du Luxembourg une composante formation et insertion professionnelle a été adoptée à travesrs les programmes Appui à la formation et l’Insertion professionnelles, MLI/019, et Formation et insertion professionnelle, MLI/022, dont la mise en œuvre a été confiée à LuxDev aux côtés du ministère malien en charge de la formation professionnelle et de l’emploi.

Dans ce contexte, plusieurs actions en faveur des jeunes de 15 à 40 ans des régions de Ségou et Sikasso ont été réalisées en conventionnement avec les structures publiques nationales du ministère de l’emploi notamment l’Agence nationale pour l’Emploi des Jeunes, les chambres consulaires de l’agriculture et des métiers de l’artisanat ainsi que les institutions de financement (Soro Yiriwaso et Nyèsigiso). En outre, des prestaires privés ont été engagés pour l’offre de services non financiers en amont et en aval du dispositif. Le conseil régional a assuré le rôle important de pilotage du dispositif tout comme celui du suivi de l’insertion des jeunes. A la clôture du programme, 2839 projets ont été financés dont 1581 en faveur des femmes. A cette suite, l’ONG ADA a été mandatée afin de tirer les enseignements de cette expérience longue et dense.

Rencontre entre l'ONG ADA et des primo-entrepreneurs pour améliorer le mécanisme de financement des jeunes mis en place par l'APEJ avec l'appui de LuxDev.

L’accompagnement des jeunes vers l’auto-emploi, des difficultés à surmonter

Sur le terrain, la mission a pu échanger avec les responsables de Soro Yiriwaso et deux catégories de bénéficiaires de crédits.

Il s’agit de quatorze jeunes primo-entrepreneurs dont trois femmes, tous sortis du dispositif de formation professionnelle animé par les centres et instituts de formation ou celui de l’apprentissage rénové à travers les chambres consulaires. Un entretien a particulièrement attiré l’attention, il s’agit du cas d’une jeune femme dont le parcours d’insertion dans l’aviculture a buté contre un facteur devenu répétitif, l’abus de confiance. En vue de rembourser ses dettes et réussir son parcours, la jeune femme s’est orientée vers la transformation agroalimentaire.

D’autres jeunes ont opté pour la stratégie de crédits renouvelés plusieurs fois pour assurer le maintien voire le développement de leur projet en embouche ou dans les métiers artisanaux. Autre stratégie développée par les jeunes, la diversification de leur métier principal (achat et vente d’animaux) avec d’autres activités connexes (production et vente d’aliments bétails, abattage ou vente de produits d’abattage).

Au-delà des difficultés d’accompagnement, des motifs de satisfaction

Partout où la mission s’est déployée, une constante a été relevée dans les réponses des jeunes, la pertinence des appuis tant sur le plan de la formation professionnelle, de la gestion d’entreprise que de l’octroi des crédits. De l’avis des jeunes interviewés, ces appuis leur ont assuré sans nul doute un revenu satisfaisant, et mieux encore, la restauration de leur dignité et la revalorisation de leur statut social.

Plus globalement, la mission a relevé que le dispositif de financement du programme MLI/022 est adapté et aide les institutions de microfinances à disposer de clients dont le risque de financement est contrôlé grâce à l’accompagnement réalisé (formation technique et managériale, éducation financière, mentorat/coaching, suivi post-financement). Aussi, a-t-il été noté que le dispositif profite à ces institutions grâce aux conditions favorables de rémunération du dépôt à terme permettant une marge importante pour celles-ci au regard du taux pratiqué sur le marché financier. Le mécanisme permet surtout le financement et l’insertion de jeunes en démarrage. Malgré la fragilité de la cible, le taux de remboursement réalisé est très satisfaisant pour les deux Institutions partenaires.
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- 12 November
- By Sébastien LAMBALOT
- Burkina Faso Office EUR/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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BURKINA FASO - Oser inventer l’avenir
LuxDev, l’agence luxembourgeoise pour la Coopération au développement a organisé un séminaire de formation sur l’excellence en gestion pour les centres de formation professionnelle du Burkina Faso et du Mali. L’atelier s’est déroulé du lundi 1er au vendredi 5 novembre 2021 à Ouagadougou. Cette initiative a regroupé 44 chefs de centres de formation professionnelle qui viennent du secteur public et privé ainsi que deux chefs de centres publics venus du Mali.

Clôture du premier séminaire du programme VET Toolbox à Ouagadougou. © Sébastien LAMBALOT

Le programme européen VET Toolbox (Boîte à outils pour la formation professionnelle), intervenu pour la première fois au Burkina Faso à cette occasion, vise à promouvoir l’enseignement et la formation professionnels inclusifs et adaptés aux besoins du marché du travail. C’est un programme co-financé par l’Union européenne et le ministère fédéral allemand de la Coopération économique et du Développement et mis en oeuvre par des partenaires tels l’AFD, Enabel, British Council, GIZ et LuxDev. Ces cinq jours (pour un programme progressif et séquencé de 10 jours qui se poursuivra la semaine du 13 décembre) positionnent successivement les valeurs, les missions et les objectifs fondamentaux de chaque centre de formation dans son domaine d’intervention et son territoire.

Selon l’Assistant technique international en charge des projets de formation professionnelle, Alexis Bordet, co-animateur du séminaire, le VET Toolbox offre une panoplie d’outils et processus d’expertise, de partage de bonnes pratiques et de renforcement de l’habilité managériale au profit des ressources humaines. Les rencontres, témoignages, ateliers interactifs et cas pratiques rythmant le séminaire ont permis d’instaurer un cadre participatif, agréable et bienveillant.

De plus, les participants ont su exprimer leurs attentes et identifier leurs marges de progression, notamment au niveau de la pertinence dans le choix de la durée et du lieu des formations dispensées, du marketing et de la communication ou des règles de travail des centres. Un point fondamental du séminaire revenait régulièrement : le leadership ou comment améliorer le quotidien de l’employeur et de ses employés par des indicateurs fiables et un comportement exemplaire du chef de centre dicté par l’honnêteté, l’humanité, l’humilité, et la ponctualité.

A la fin du premier séminaire, les chefs de centres étaient tous très motivés pour développer des solutions durables et quantifiables pour leur écosystème et au sein de leur centre de formation. Le mot d’ordre de l’animateur principal Filipe Cassapo, « Oser inventer l’avenir », aura fait écho à tous les participants repartis avec de bonnes intentions, et favorisera plus que jamais le développement de la formation professionnelle au Burkina Faso et au Mali.

Participants et intervenants rassemblés à l'occasion de la clôture du premier séminaire du programme VET Toolbox à Ouagadougou. © Manivelle

Durant le séminaire, l’Union européenne a été représentée par Francisco Bellafont Alvaro, responsable du programme de formation professionnelle et de l'emploi. Pour ce dernier, l’analyse du contexte des sous-secteurs de la formation professionnelle initiale et de l’emploi au Burkina Faso montre encore une trop forte inadaptation entre le système éducatif et le marché de l’emploi productif formel et informel.

L'atelier de formation sur l’excellence en gestion au bénéfice des centres de formation professionnelle du Burkina Faso et du Mali a été organisé avec l’appui financier du programme européen VET Toolbox.
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- 30 September
- By Daniele Passalacqua and Renea Bula
- Kosovo Office KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Enhancing the cooperation between vocational education and training institutions and the private sector
Creating relationships between schools and the various actors of the communities in which they operate in is essential in enhancing student learning. These partnerships provide varied benefits which increase school capacities and make the overall educational experiences more interactive for students. In June 2021, the Support to vocational education and training reform in Kosovo project, KSV/020, formalised five memoranda of understandings between Meister training tenter and five vocational education and training institutions from the municipalities of Prizren, Vushtrri, Ferizaj, Suahreka and Gjilan - an initiative that will lead to the transformation of the vocational education and training system to a dual one, one of the firsts in Kosovo.

The goal of these partnerships is to establish cooperation between the company and the vocational education and training institutions to advance the practical learning skills of students by offering them professional practice within the company. The partnership will facilitate the proper implementation of the qualification set for the profile of “electronic technician” developed in cooperation with European international partners from the private sector. The parties involved will have different responsibilities which include the transfer of skills between the teachers and school staff towards professional development activities, co-organisation of symposiums, conferences and short courses, proposals on adjusting the occupational standard, curricula and teaching and learning materials to match the latest industry trends and practices.

In general, the public vocational education and training schools in Kosovo face obstacles in the implementation of the theoretical, and especially the practical part of the profile. This challenge arises due the lack of equipment within schools and lack of expertise in using and maintaining the needed machineries. Therefore, an important component of this partnership is that students will use the equipment located within the company’s premises which will facilitate students’ professional practice. Ultimately, this will allow students to conduct their practice in the presence of industry professionals and acquire the necessary skills in the workplace.

To commemorate such an important milestone, an event formalising the signing of the memoranda of understandings was organised. Part of this event were representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Agency for vocational education and training and adult education, the Project, Meister training centre as well as representatives from the municipalities and vocational education and training school directors. The attendees praised the initiative and pointed out the relevance of engaging with businesses to enhance and enrich the delivery of education. They firmly believed that more companies and schools will follow through the same path, especially once the benefits of such partnerships start becoming tangible.

All in all, these public-private partnerships are of immense importance as they optimise the vocational education and training offer whilst building the world of work into education. Furthermore, they lead to work experience opportunities that improve the prospects of young students when seeking employment.

The KSV/020 project is co-funded by the Government of Kosovo and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Kosovo Ministry of Education and Science and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 30 September
- By Daniele Passalacqua and Renea Bula
- KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Development and implementation of qualification sets for technical profiles
One of the main goals of the Support to vocational education and training reform in Kosovo project, KSV/020, is to improve the vocational education and training quality through the development of qualifications sets corresponding to the latest trends in the labour market. With the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the project has developed qualifications sets for four technical profiles:
- the occupational standards, curricula;
- teaching and learning material;
- didactic guidelines, and supporting material for teachers.
The selection of these profiles was based on labour market analysis and the identification of priority occupations which the project did in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

In the curricula development process, experts from the industry and private sector made sure to create a model of integrated curricula (theoretical and practical).

Furthermore, the teaching and learning material , the guidelines and the supporting material are the first of their kind to be developed for these profiles.

The teaching and learning material encompasses extensive information, both descriptive and visual, reforming teaching and learning methods, and ultimately optimising the vocational education and training offer.

On August 31, 2021, the chief technical advisor of the KSV/020 project met with the representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation and vocational education and training school directors to officially hand over the qualification sets for four technical profiles.

All participants praised this initiative. Herein, the vocational education and training school directors expressed their appreciation for the support the KSV/020 project has provided to them in developing new qualification sets based on the contemporary advances to meet new labour market demand.

The representative of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation also praised the continuous support that the project has provided to the Ministry during these years, especially in reforming the vocational education and training quality.

All this work would not have been possible without the contribution of all the relevant stakeholders; therefore, the chief technical advisor of the KSV/020 project expressed his appreciation to the MESTI and the schools for their close cooperation throughout this process. He further stated that:

“Even though we are submitting qualification sets for four profiles, the support of the project will continue through tailor-made capacity development activities for teachers and training with international and local experts. All of this will be finalized with the provision of laboratory equipment to vocational education and training schools as part of the overall plan to improve the quality”.

Finally, as a result of this teamwork, the developed qualification sets for the technical profiles will be available for all vocational education and training schools nationwide starting from the new academic year 2021/2022.

The KSV/020 project is co-funded by the Government of Kosovo and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Kosovo Ministry of Education and Science and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 30 September
- By Daniele Passalacqua and Hana Bacaj
- Kosovo Office KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Operationalise recognition of prior learning as active labour market measure
The European Union project, Support to vocational education and training, professional requalification and occupation, ESVET PRO has been supporting the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo with technical and financial support, in establishing a legal framework and operational arrangements to include recognition of prior learning as a complementary active labour market measure. Kosovo’s active labour market measures promote labour market integration by reducing job-finding barriers and increasing employment probability.

More specifically, ESVET PRO has provided technical support to the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo to revise the regulation on active labour market measures (No. 01/2018). This regulation implements the following active labour market measures:
- vocational training (through vocational training centres );
- on-the-job training;
- wage subsidies;
- internship scheme;
- self-employment and promoting entrepreneurship; and
- public works.
Consequently, the goal was to include recognition of prior learning as part of the active labour market measures mentioned above and operationalise it through the two related manuals:
- the operational manual for training and re-training; and
- the operational manual for employment services provision.
For this process, ESVET PRO provided specialised expertise for the revision of the two manuals and the provision of training to the directors of VTCs on the implementation and operationalisation of these manuals.

In June, project ESVET PRO, EU representatives, the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo, vocational training centres directors and other important stakeholders met to celebrate an important milestone : the revision and the update of two manuals that make recognition of prior learning fully operational as active labour market measure.

The chief technical advisor of the project ESVET PRO, Daniele Cristian Passalacqua, highlighted that “this ceremony constitutes only one of the agreed activities as part of the memorandum of understandings, co-signed between the project ESVET PRO and the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo. Our cooperation aims to support the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo and vocational training centres to fully operationalise recognition of prior learning as an active labour arket measure at national level”.

Daniele Cristian Passalacqua (chief technical advisor of ESVET PRO) and Stergios Tragoudas (programme manager-EU policies-education) discussing regarding the importance of fully operationalizing recognition of prior learning as an active labour market measure.

The European Union representative, Stergios Tragoudas, expressed his gratitude to the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo for their commitment and professionalism in collaborating with ESVET PRO, a project funded by the European Union and implemented by LuxDev. Mr Tragoudas stated that this event marks an important milestone for Kosovo’s vocational education and training system. He hopes that the ESVET PRO project and the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo will continue to bring greater outcomes to promote quality education and lifelong learning for all in Kosovo.

The director of the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Drin Haraqia and the head of the vocational education and training department, Ms Jehona Rexha, thanked the ESVET PRO project for the support and assured that the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo would continue its commitment to the organisation of future joint activities.

The event was followed by a training delivered to all directors of vocational training centres on the implementation of the manuals. The project ESVET PRO will continue to support the employment agency of the Republic of Kosovo and vocational training centres in successfully implementing the recognition of prior learning component throughout Kosovo.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of LuxDev and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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- 1 September
- By Ben WANDIVINIT
- Asia Office LAO/029
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - Tourism and hospitality teachers build their English and online teaching skills
A recent collaboration between the Luxembourg Development Cooperation, the Swiss Development Cooperation and Irish Aid celebrated the successful completion of English language training. The programme was developed and implemented by Vientiane College and Celtic School of English (Ireland) for 28 tourism and hospitality technical and vocational education training teachers coming to Vientiane from 15 public vocational institutions across the country. The programme adapted to many difficulties, with all parties working together to overcome the difficulties presented by the global pandemic in order to facilitate a new training programme that offered much more than originally intended.

Ms Khamla Phetsythone from Luang Prabang Technical College brandishing her new English language programme certificate. Photo credit to Matthew Dakin

The training programme was first envisaged as a four-work week language and cultural immersion programme where the Lao teachers would live with host families in Tralee, Ireland, study at the Celtic School of English and take part in work placements in early 2020. This was initially deferred to 2021, however the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions made this impossible.

In a new setting a new methodology was decided which would feature a blended approach. Therefore, the teachers took part of a mix of face-to-face classes in Vientiane College, combined with online learning facilitated by the Celtic School of English. This new model not only featured online platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom and Kahoot, but also educated the teachers in how these technologies can be used in their own classrooms.

Students waving goodbye to Anne O'Keefe, Director of the Celtic School of English in Ireland, who joined the graduation ceremony via Zoom to wish the participants well. Photo credit to Matthew Dakin

“To us, it was clear that we wanted to find a way in spite of COVID to accompany the teachers on their English language journey” said Catherine Woods, Director of Administration at Vientiane College. “The goal was also to introduce teachers to ways in which they could potentially teach their own classes through an online approach which is becoming increasingly necessary as a way to adapt to COVID-19.’’

This format was new to many of the Lao teachers, however they were guided through the process by the English teachers from both schools. The Lao teachers were provided with a tablet computer to access the online platforms and were mentored in how to use the devices. Classes had a strong emphasis on interactivity and engagement, with Saturday sessions focusing on engaging with Irish culture through interactive activities facilitated through online platforms.

This method proved to be a big hit with the teachers.

It’s been great not just to upgrade my English skills, but also to learn how to teach English in a fun and effective way in my own classroom or even online – for instance, through songs, imitating real-life scenarios or even quizzes, which is also how we were taught about Irish culture, which has been one of my favourite parts of the entire programme.

Ms Khamla Phetsythone, Luang Prabang Technical College

Training participants seized the opportunity to capture photos with their English teachers who acocmpanied them on their English Language journey over the past five weeks. Photo credit to Matthew Dakin

By all reports the course has been a great success. The new skills that the teachers have gained go well beyond the language and cultural immersion originally envisaged by the programme. Due to the successful collaboration between all parties, the trainee teachers have also finished the programme with a new appreciation and understanding of exciting new ways of teaching. These online platforms will no doubt be key to further enhancing the quality of learning TVET tourism and hospitality students will receive on their way towards shaping the future of Lao tourism.

The English language training programme was supported by Irish Aid and the Skills for tourism project (LAO/029), which is co-funded by the governments of Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 31 August
- By Ben WANDIVINIT
- Asia Office LAO/029
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - Lao Thiao Lao launches its own ‘What’s Up Laos’ App
Following the successful implementation of the Lao Thiao Lao national tourism marketing campaign led by the private sector over the past year, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) is now pushing the campaign to greater heights by launching its own app called What’s Up Laos.

The app was launched by Mr Inthy Deuansavanh, who has also been spearheading the successfull Lao Thiao Lao campaign on behalf of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Photo credit to the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

According to the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Lao Thiao Lao campaign has had an undeniable impact on the tourism and hospitality sector, both for customers and businesses. More than 5 million unique users have been reached since September 2020, and private sector businesses have contributed over LAK 400 million of services which were used to support popular online influencers to visit and promote destinations, and to run bi-monthly online competitions. To date, the Lao Thiao Lao page has accumulated over 75,000 followers and with the assistance of paid promotions has had an average reach of 1.7 million people per month since its launch.

Based on a President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the campaign reached people from regional markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, even though international tourism was not the main target. This was unexpected, but it is shown that the campaign has a lot of potential to grow. The What’s Up Laos App is therefore not just an important step towards keeping up the momentum of Lao Thiao Lao, but also towards paving the way to a campaign of greater regional scope.

The logo of the newly designed app.

The app comes with two possible user accounts: one for ‘guest’ users which is targeted towards consumers who want to find out about the latest events and hotel deals in specific locations, and one for ‘business’ owners who would like to showcase their services, special promotions and packages. Business users can upload logos, photos, location, special offers, events and contact details, while guests will have the possibility to research and connect with more than 200 businesses that are already registered on the app.

The What’s Up Laos App is available on the Google Play Store, can be directly downloaded by visiting ‘whatsuplaos.la’ or by QR code.

For those interested, the app can be downloaded with this QR code.

Both the Lao Thiao Lao campaign as well as the development of the What’s Up Laos app were supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LA0/029) which 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 and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 5 July
- By Hana Bacaj
- KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Inaugural events kicked off after the establishment of the Industrial Bodies in the three selected schools
During the last two months, the European Union funded project ESVET PRO celebrated a great milestone through the inauguration of the Industrial Bodies The main purpose of these events was to present the importance of having the private sector as part of the core management within the VET schools and their influence in strengthening the quality and attractiveness of VET. Ensuring the quality and attractiveness of VET is important both in terms of providing the right competencies for the labour market, but also as a means of securing the quantity and the quality of VET graduates.

Therefore, one of the major components and support of ESVET PRO is the implementation of the Business Model (BM) Approach in the three selected VET schools by the Project. The Project established and started the implementation of the BM by identifying partnership gaps and promoting partnerships for the supported profiles, as well as launching the Industrial Advisory Boards and Industrial Bodies. By establishing the Industrial Bodies, the schools do not merely aim at fostering the relationship with the private sector, instead they also intend to integrate the representatives of local businesses within the middle-management structure of the VET school. This approach will ensure a constant presence of private businesses within schools and will allow the utilization of the resources coming from the private sector. The Business Model approach is being adapted to the Kosovo’s legal and economic environment and with the support of ESVET PRO and Project KSV/020, MESTI is in the process of establishing the legal basis for the implementation of the Business Model management concept in VET schools.

Until now, the three selected schools have formalized approximately 50 partnerships with private companies that will be engaged in the Industrial Bodies of the schools. More specifically, in each of the three schools there are approximately five to six businesses that are part of one Industrial body. Partner businesses will be continuously involved in terms of reviewing and updating qualification sets, effective provision of work-based learning, capacity development of teachers and school management, and long-lasting partnership for effective sustainability of the school.

Therefore, following the successful implementation of the Industrial Bodies in the three supported schools; two of the schools organized an inauguration ceremony. The inauguration of the Industrial Bodies was organized and held within the premises of Adem Gllavica and Feriz Guri dhe Vëllezërit Çaka schools in the municipalities of Lipjan and Kaçanik respectively, to celebrate this important achievement for schools and businesses. Part of these events were representatives from the business community, respective municipality officials, school partners, and project representatives.

Improving VET schools’ performance in line with labour market demand requires big strategic moves. And every big move starts with a first step. The inaugural events were a first step in the long road to making the Business Model a reality.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of LuxDev and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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