News

2021
- 20 May
- By Cathy SCHELTIEN
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A new ambition for European development cooperation! CEOs of European Development Agencies meet in Brussels today to reinforce synergies between them and have more impact.
Brussels, 20 May 2021
The Practitioners Network is holding its yearly General Assembly today and tomorrow at the Egmont Palace in Brussels. The Belgian agency Enabel and the Luxembourg agency LuxDev ensured the presidency of the network over the past 12 months.

The Practitioners’ Network contributes to exchanging experiences and knowledge between different EU member states cooperation agencies on major international challenges such as Covid19 post-recovery, poverty, gender, inequality, climate change, job creation and growth, governance, peace and stability, digitalisation and migration.

During the co-Presidency of the network, Enabel and LuxDev developed a strategic agenda with the CEOs of the different agencies to make the network more ambitious in implementing the European international cooperation policy.

This echoes the new vision of the European Commission and its Team Europe Initiatives, pushing for more joint implementation between European member states development agencies. The PN has clearly positioned itself as the partner of choices of the Commission in this move.

“The platform contributes to the coherence of the European efforts, as we share experience and knowledge intending to be more effective in our work”, says Gaston Schwartz, managing director of LuxDev. “The PN has clearly positioned itself as the partner of choice for the Commission”.

The COVID19 crisis has made European Development Agencies accelerate their desire to work together for more impact. Global challenges such as COVID require global solutions and it is only by joining forces, beyond words, that impact can be achieved.

“The Covid-19 crisis of this year has clearly shown that common efforts have a better impact on the ground, that we are stronger together, and that we need to build synergies and work side by side. Our partners in the rest of the world are also asking for it”, says Jean Van Wetter, managing director of Enabel, the Belgian development Agency.

A clear outcome of the Presidency of the network is the joint declaration made at the Finance in Common Summit in Paris in November 2020 where members of the PN committed to work together with Pubic Development Banks for more development impact.

The Practitioners’ Networks co-presidency is now handed over to two other member states organisations: the German and the Lithuanian agencies: GIZ and CPMA.

“Having spent 15 years on the field working for various development agencies in several developing countries, I strongly believe that the best way to have impact is by pooling resources together. I am proud of the new vision we have brought to the PN and I am glad that GIZ and CPMA will continue the work initiated. I wish them all the best” concludes jean Van Wetter.

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About Enabel

Enabel is the development agency of Belgium’s federal government. Enabel implements Belgium’s international development policy. Under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Enabel carries out public service assignments in Belgium and abroad. Enabel provides customised expertise, including Belgian public expertise, promotes the involvement of all and pursues top-level partnerships. Enabel enhances the impact of Belgium in international development by carrying out assignments for Belgian and international third-party donors.

About LuxDev

LuxDev is the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. Its mission is to actively participate in the implementation of the development cooperation policy of the Luxembourg government, which mainly focuses on poverty eradication and sustainable development in its social, economic and environmental aspects. LuxDev’s work aims to strengthen their partner countries’ ownership of their development. Therefore, in each of its interventions, LuxDev seeks to act as a reliable partner and develop the capacities of the actors with whom the Agency cooperates.

About GIZ

As a provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education work, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Gmbh is dedicated to building a future worth living around the world. As a German public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ has over 50 years of experience in various areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security. The diverse GIZ expertise is in demand worldwide, with the German Government, European Union institutions, the United Nations, the private sector and governments of other countries all benefiting from the services.

About CPMA

The Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) is a public institution established in 2003 by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania. The Agency: has experience in management and implementation of various European Union (EU) and other international donors’ programmes (European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms, Swiss Contribution); EU ”pillar assessed agency” administering EU funding under indirect management for 14 years now; has several international projects (the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) (the Balkans and Turkey) and European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) Eastern Partnership countries; Since 2008 CPMA has been implementing 49 Twinning projects in IPA and ENI countries and ten other type projects (EU Technical Assistance, EU grant etc.). National Development Cooperation Agency as of 2017 July.
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- 17 May
- By Cam Do Hoang Le
- Asia Office VIE/032
- Inclusive and innovative finance
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VIETNAM - Luxembourg continues supporting Vietnam’s Securities Market Development Strategy for 2021-2030
With continual and fast growing stock market in Vietnam, Vietnamese securities regulators are paying their great attention to the next development of the Securities Market Development Strategy for 2021-2030 which is responsible by the State Securities Commission (SSC). The expected strategy heads to a more comprehensively structured, more open and integrated as well as more competitive plus resilient market.

^{Virtual forums are quite efficient in gathering comments and opinions from experts all over the world during COVID-19 times.}

To this effort under the VIE/032 project scope, Luxembourg has played key role and so far only a mobiliser of technical assistance in supporting this action.

From 06 to 19 April 2021 the SSC in Hanoi organized 07 continuous virtual meetings focused on various key topics including
- securities trading markets and development of products;
- securities registration, depository, clearing and settlement;
- development of securities companies;
- fund industry;
- supervision, inspection and sanctions; and
- international integration.
The participants from Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE), the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) and the Securities Depository Centre (VSD), Securities Research and Training Center (SRTC) and technical departments of SSC attended the meetings.

^{Sustainable and green finance attracted great attention from regulators and market stakeholders in Vietnam during elaboration process of Securities Development Strategy}

The workshop was facilitated by international and regional advisors who are from the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI), Luxembourg Institute of Directors, and Luxembourg Blockchain Association, the United States, and Thailand. The meetings provided the opportunities to the participants to exchange ideas, share best experiences and lessons learnt from world market as well as recommendations for the Vietnam’s market direction.

The workshops discussed sustainable finance opportunities for Vietnam, in line with Ministry of Finance’s direction. This is also an obvious advantage from Luxembourg as a hub of global financial market, where Vietnam could much benefit from exploring and learning from its broad experiences and advanced practices.

According to Pierre Oberlé, Senior Business Development Manager at ALFI: “sustainable finance will become the norm and investors will be keen to pay or to integrate the additional costs that this type of product has to deal with.”

^{Luxembourg Fund Industry practice}

Oberlé also pointed out in one of the virtual discussions with SSC that when it comes to attract foreign investors into the sustainable market in Vietnam, the country would first need to access what type of assets its currently has, which meet the sustainable finance criteria and norms in different jurisdictions. Additionally, Vietnam ought to develop the expertise necessary for the sustainable financial market development, in terms of market capacity and human resource training.

As a number of complex issues were raised, discussed and cleared during these online forums thanks to the straightforward exchanges by the participants and the advisors, the SSC gladly welcomed all comments and recommendations contributed. Mr. Pham Hong Son, Vice Chairman of SSC who chaired the overview session expressed: “we highly appreciated the support from Luxembourg Government to the SSC of Vietnam, that has been well managed and implemented by LuxDev, particularly shown via these interactive and fruitful workshops. We have learnt a lot.”

^{A brief overview of Vietnam Asset Management Market Share}

The Strategy is now being consolidated as it is expected to receive comments from relevant market stakeholders in May and thereafter to be submitted for approval from Ministry of Finance on 2nd June 2021.

The Capacity Building in the Financial Sector – VIE/032 project is co-financed by the Government of Vietnam and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and is implemented by the Vietnamese State Securities Commission and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 17 May
- By LAO/031 Project
- Asia Office LAO/031
- Governance
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LAOS - Justice for all Access to Justice Programme
The programme to enable the Lao people have easier access to justice has reached a remarkable progress since started, Reginald Pastrana, former Chief Technical Advisor of the Support Programme for Legal Teaching and Training and to the Promotion of the Rule of Law Concept in Laos - LAO/031 project said in a report. “As the Lao justice system goes into a significant phase, it will continuously offer citizens numerous options for legal recourse when their rights are violated,” he explained, adding that the Government of Laos (GoL) has instituted a strong legal enabling environment in the promotion of law and the enhancement of access to justice to its people.

Chief among these was the GoL’s adoption of Prime Minister (PM) Decree No. 77 in establishing legal aid offices and its effort to upgrade the Village Mediation Committees (VMCs), the alternative non-formal justice system, into a PM decree.

To bridge the gap between Lao citizens and the justice system, LAO/031 has already established five provincial legal aid offices and 15 legal aid offices in various districts. “These legal aid offices rely on trained Ministry of Justice (MoJ) district and provincial officers, together with members of the Lao Bar Association (LBA), to educate their fellow citizens about their legal rights and how to defend their rights in Lao’s formal and informal justice systems,” he explained.

On the Legal Education Campaigns

Pastrana further reported that using a variety of public education materials including comic books, pamphlets, and multimedia CDs, Project LAO/031, together with the Institute of Legal Support and Technical Assistance (ILSTA), supported the various government functionaries, especially the MoJ, to spread information on access to justice, particularly for women and children, to schools, provinces, districts and villages. Important laws were also disseminated including, among others, laws against violation of women and children, the law on human trafficking, land rights, and several others. The Clinical Legal Education at the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) of the National University of Laos, together with some members of the LBA, provided free legal consultations. They also gave legal referrals and information on human rights and other forms of legal assistance.

Still, many people, especially women, are not aware of their legal rights or how to use the formal justice system. Additionally, many do not know where to turn when they face legal problems that could be resolved through the courts or community mediation. To reach the greatest number of vulnerable Lao citizens, the CTA explained that Mobile Legal Clinic outreach missions were held by the FLP teams at the far-flung province such as Attapeu. “As a result, a large number of people were able to attend and receive information on their legal rights, obtain one-on-one counselling on specific issues and in some cases, filed request,” he said.

Capacity Strengthening Programmes

It must be noted that the Lao People’s Supreme Court, the State Inspection Authority, the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor, the MoJ and security sector institutions are critical actors that enforce rule of law, increase security and protect citizens’ rights. However, their capacity and authority are still not fully developed and needs further improvement, he further reported.

To address some of these issues, Pastrana said that the project, together with ILSTA, and in partnership with the GoL’s justice institutions, is undertaking a broad set of activities in the area of justice sector capacity building and modernisation. The primary goal of the project is to support Lao’s judicial institutions to strengthen their capacity with the ultimate purpose of improving the rule of law in Laos. The activities include the capacity development of the officers of these institutions, training on some key developments on law, like anti-money laundering, mutual legal assistance, anti-human trafficking, among others. A strong and reliable justice system in Laos is key to a secure society and a growing economy, he said.

LAO/031 project is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 5 May
- By Undraa BAYANAA
- Asia Office LAO/027
- Health
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LAOS – Ongoing health support during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, through the Lao-Luxembourg Health Sector Support Programme Phase II (LAO/027), is deeply involved in supporting the Government of Lao PDR in its COVID-19 preparedness and response.

As the country weathers a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, the LAO/027 programme continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Health and other international partners to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national healthcare system.

As part of Luxembourg’s COVID-19 grant support, three ‘Decontamination Unit’ vehicles and decontamination equipment were handed over to the Ministry of Health in January 2021 to strengthen provincial authorities’ ability to respond to potential coronavirus infections.

These Decontamination Unit vehicles are today fully operational in the three provinces of Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Khammouane. A team of well trained and equipped professionals is currently providing a rapid and mobile response in each of the three provinces. The Decontamination Unit is responsible for the disinfection and decontamination of healthcare and non-healthcare settings potentially contaminated by coronavirus such as isolation facilities, hospitals, official buildings as well as other locations where suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been.

^{Decontamination at a quarantine centre in Phonhong, Vientiane Province (March 2021) © LuxDev}

^{Disinfection at a COVID-19 treatment facility in Khammouane Province (April 2021) © LuxDev}

^{Disinfection at the Provincial Health Department (PHD) Office in Vientiane Province (April 2021) © LuxDev}

^{Disinfection at the Bolikhamxay Provincial Hospital (April 2021) © LuxDev}

Each decontamination vehicle contains essential equipment, including rechargeable battery nebulisers, disinfectants, cleaning materials, and other supplies such as protective equipment, goggles, boots, and gloves.

^{Decontamination Unit’ vehicle (April 2021) © LuxDev}

As the number of new cases continue to increase, the request for decontamination is outpacing the current capacities. The LAO/027 programme has provided the mobile teams with additional emergency sanitation supplies and nebulisers.

^{Decontamination at a local market in Vientiane province (May 1st, 2021) (pictures published on social media)}

Luxembourg, through its membership of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, is also supporting the distribution of free vaccines in Lao PDR. The country has received its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility in March 2021. The shipment consisted of 132,000 doses of the SII-AstraZeneca vaccine and it was the first batch of a total of 480,000 doses that are being planned for delivery to Laos via the COVAX initiative by May 2021.

The Lao-Luxembourg Health Sector Support Programme Phase II (LAO/027) is co-financed by the Government of Lao PDR and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and is implemented by the Lao Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 5 May
- By Caroline de Boisset
- Senegal Office SEN/031
- Health
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SÉNÉGAL - Inauguration du centre de simulation médicale en soins et gestes d’urgence au siège du SAMU national
C’est dans des salles spécialement aménagées dans les nouveaux bâtiments du SAMU national de Dakar qu’a été inauguré le Centre de simulation médicale en soins et gestes d’urgence du SAMU national. Ce centre permettra de former efficacement les générations actuelles et futures de médecins et le personnel paramédical aux soins et gestes qui sauvent.

Ce centre de simulation, financé par la Coopération Sénégal-Luxembourg à hauteur de 344 Mio de Francs CFA (525 000 EUR) dispensera des formations d’ordres divers : réanimation cardiopulmonaire, anesthésie, échographie d’urgence, réanimation pédiatrique et néonatale, trauma, secourisme de base et avancé, situations critiques au bloc opératoire, pose des voies veineuses chez l’adulte et en pédiatrie, etc.

Une démarche pédagogique innovante

Le Centre de simulation médicale en soins et gestes d’urgence du SAMU national s’inscrit dans une démarche innovante de transfert de compétences. Avec un matériel technique visant à reproduire des situations d’urgences réelles, les apprenants seront confrontés à des problématiques proches de celles qu’ils auront à traiter sur le terrain et en même temps s’accorder avec les exigences éthiques de leur formation. Au total, 250 à 300 personnes pourront être formées chaque semaine dans ce centre de formation par simulation médicale aux soins et gestes d’urgence. Il est à noter que certains équipements de haute technologie déployés dans ce centre pourront également permettre la réalisation de formations mobiles en région, indépendamment des formations en présentiel et en visio-formation. Ce centre est une première au Sénégal et constitue un progrès remarquable au service de la qualité de la prise en charge, non seulement des urgences mais également pour la formation des professionnels de santé.

L’enseignement sur simulateurs et la méthode pédagogique

Les simulateurs sont des mannequins très perfectionnés munis de capteurs qui permettent de reproduire différentes réalités médicales et de soins. Les mannequins autorisent le déroulement de scénarios multiples, et à la demande, pour entrainer des équipes médicales ou de soins. Le Centre de simulation est équipé de matériels audio-visuels d’enregistrement qui facilitent la conduite des scénarios. Les scénarios sont débriefés dans des espaces adaptés. Le débriefing est l’aboutissement du scénario, il permet de prendre conscience de ses forces et faiblesses, il est le gage de l’amélioration de la qualité des gestes, des soins et de l’esprit d’équipe.

À l’occasion de cette inauguration la Coopération Sénégal-Luxembourg a également remis au SAMU national les clés de six ambulances dont quatre « tout-terrain » pour les régions de Diourbel et de Touba.

^{Des médecins réanimateurs s’entraînent avec le matériel du centre de simulation médicale de soins et gestes d’urgence. © Samu National}

^{Régulatrice du centre de réception d’appel des urgences de Dakar. © Samu National}

Remise des clés du centre de simulation par M. Abdoulaye DIOUF SARR, ministre de la Santé et de l’Action sociale et M. Rui Fernandes, chargé d’affaires a.i. à l’ambassade du Grand-Duché́ de Luxembourg au Sénégal. © Samu National

^{Les six ambulances qui seront affectées aux régions de Diourbel et Touba. © Samu National}
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- 18 April
- By Daniele Passalacqua and Hana Bacaj
- Kosovo Office KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - The National Plan for the development and implementation of the Kosovo Graduate Tracking System
Bringing international and local stakeholders together to brainstorm is helpful to see things from different vantage points. On February 23rd, 2021, the Project ESVET PRO- KSV/801 organized a hybrid (in-person and online) workshop for the review of the methodology for the graduate tracking system. This workshop stimulated real-time thoughts, ongoing ideas, and discussions with the international and local stakeholders present.

The graduate tracking system will provide the VET stakeholders, schools, and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) with evidence on the graduates’ employability data and skill relevance to the labour market needs.

Based on the latest decision of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo against the Covid-19 pandemic; the Project, was allowed to host at most 30 participants and all the guidelines on the measures to keep everyone safe during the workshop have been strictly applied.

The workshop brought together important VET stakeholders from the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK), Municipal Education Directorate, donor-funded project, and NGOs. Other representatives who could not join the event in-person from European Training Foundation (ETF), and Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia participated via Zoom platform.

In the first part of the workshop, the Project presented the draft methodology about the establishment and implementation of the Graduate Tracking System and the support that the Project will provide in this matter.

The Chief Technical Advisor of the Project presenting the draft methodology about the establishment and implementation of the Graduate Tracking System.

In the second part, based on experience and practical examples, VET stakeholders engaged in in-depth discussions about establishing a sustainable and rigorous methodology for Tracer Study which will serve in the long-term in the VET sector in Kosovo. At the end, an expert from ETF gave a very positive note about the draft methodology as well as confirmed the willingness of ETF to cooperate with the Project towards this direction.

Stakeholders discussing about each of the components of the draft methodology of the Graduate Tracking System.

This workshop was very fruitful and an important step towards the creation of a graduate tracking system, which can be a very valuable tool that contributes to the labour market information system, particularly when certain criteria are followed. Graduate tracking system for VET sector are implemented in many countries in the world and in the region; therefore, having such system implemented in Kosovo is a crucial step to be closer to European Union standards.

Reviewing the national plan for the implementation of the Graduate Tracking System is not only important and a great achievement of ESVET PRO and the MES but also a great example of synergy and cooperation between all stakeholders involved in the VET sector.

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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- 16 April
- By Daniele Passalacqua and Renea Bula
- KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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A step forward towards inclusiveness: The successful graduation of the third cohort of Assistants to Children/Students with Special Education Needs
Ensuring equal treatment and offering an inclusive Vocational Education and Training (VET) offer. In 2017 the predecessor of the project Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo, KSV/020, namely Support to Vocational Education and Training Reform in Kosovo: Establishment of Centres of Competence in Ferizaj and PrizrenProject, KSV/015, supported the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) in the development of Level 5 Qualifications for assistants to children/students with special education needs (SEN). The occupational standards were developed by local experts, while the development of the curriculum, the teaching and learning material, and the training of teachers was conducted by the Project in the framework of a public Private Partnership with an internationally renowned company, Pearson, which implements Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualifications recognised in more than 70 countries around the world. The implementation of the qualification has been continuously monitored by a group consisting of the representatives of the Project KSV/020, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), the Center of Competencies in Ferizaj and the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE).

As of February 2021, the third generation of students has graduated this qualification making this initiative a success story that serves as motivation to develop other qualifications that lead to specializations and that are needed in the labour market. The qualification is being offered in four VET providing institutions in Pristina, Peja, Prizren and Ferizaj, and until now a total of 217 students have graduated. The support of the Project along with the will and determination of stakeholders have made this initiative a sustainable one which continues to have a huge impact in strengthening the services for the inclusion of students with special needs in public schools.

Taking into consideration that Level 5 qualifications represent a novelty for the labour market, the MES organized a ceremony to award diplomas to the third generation of students. During the ceremony, the graduates expressed their joy in completing this qualification and their readiness in going into the labour market. The graduation of the third generation of students is only a mere example of the magic and sustainability of this initiative. The success of this initiative can be seen through employment figures, as until now 85 of the graduates have been hired by public schools through an official decision of the government while 35 have been hired by UNICEF. Furthermore, according to non-official data, some of the graduates are independently employed by families needing assistance in taking care of children with special needs.

The Project is looking forward to welcome more generations in this program who seek to become positive actors in the field of special education. Such an accomplishment encourages stakeholders to continue supporting professional qualifications that improve the quality of life of special needs children/students and that in return contribute to the development of Kosovo’s society.

Both KSV/015 and KSV/020 projects are financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation.
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- 2 April
- By Daniele Passalacqua and Renea Bula
- Kosovo Office KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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Event on Project Inception Report Presentation
On January 26th, 2021, the Project European Union Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET), Professional Requalification and Occupation (ESVET PRO) organized an event on the presentation of its Inception Report. ESVET PRO is a three year fully funded Project by the European Union and implemented by the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

The Project aims to support the most critical components of VET reform, focusing in improving the structure and performance of the VET offer in Kosovo and contributing to the development of a quality-based, inclusive education, in line with the best international practices.

The event was held in a virtual setting and attracted a large audience with almost 170 participants from national institutions, civil society, private sector, and donor-funded projects joining in from their work and home. The event was moderated by the CTA of the Project, Daniele Cristian Passalacqua who presented the progresses of the Project during its Inception Phase and shared with important stakeholders the forthcoming activities.

In addition, the Inception Report Presentation Event included speeches and testimonials from eminent public figures. Herewith, the event was opened by Agim Bërdyna – Secretary General of Ministry of Education and Science (MES), Luigi Brusa – Head of Cooperation of European Union in Kosovo, and Paolo Cervino – LuxDev Resident Representative.

The testimonials of representatives of the private sector, civil society and VET schools enriched the event with enthusiastic speeches showcasing the most evident achievements of the already implemented good practices of LuxDev. These testimonials depicted a sense of commitment and trust towards the Project with many stakeholders expressing their gratefulness and eagerness to work closely with ESVET PRO.

Despite being held online, the level of connectiveness with the audience remained high and this was done using polls during the event. The polls served to keep the event interactive and to collect expressions of interest from the participants on the various components of ESVET PRO.

Finally, the virtual event was concluded by Stergios Tragoudas- Programme Manager-EU Policies-Education. He praised the commitment of the stakeholders and partners and is looking forward to witnessing the opportunities this Project will provide not only at an institutional level but also to individual VET students.

Altogether, the presentation of the Inception Report resulted in a dynamic event that registered enthusiasm and positive feedback from the participants. The event gave a feeling of hope and optimism to all its participants and demonstrated the many opportunities which can be grasped in the VET sector.
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- 2 April
- By Blerta Avdiu
- Kosovo Office KSV/017
- Health
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KOSOVO - Quality improvement of healthcare services
The extension of the Health Sector Support Programme in Kosovo (Phase II), KSV/017, aims to continue the support given to the General Hospitals of Prizren and Gjilan by improving the Quality and Safety (Q&S) of service provision through:
- elaboration of Q&S tools; and
- provision of professional training, infrastructural works, and basic equipment for surgery and pulmonology departments.
Considering the importance of quality improvement of healthcare services and everyone’s role in ensuring that these services are safe, timely, patient-centred, effective, equitable and efficient, different working groups composed of doctors, nurses and technical staff have been established with a focus on improving processes, systems and clinical practices within the hospitals. The simultaneous and systematic work with the departments will result in streamlining and standardizing processes of both hospitals.

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- 1 April
- By Ben WANDIVINIT
- Asia Office LAO/029
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant opens its doors in Vang Vieng
On 1st of April 2021, The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant officially opened its restaurant to the public. Staffed by students who are overseen by their teachers and an international management team, The Academy, which was officially inaugurated in November 2020 and is part of the Vientiane Province Technical College, offers students of tourism and hospitality programmes a unique practical training environment in the heart of Vang Vieng.

The Academy will be staffed by students eager to welcome the first guests and learn much sought-after hospitality skills. Photo credit: Phoonsab Thevongsa

Over the past months, students and teachers at the college have been preparing to welcome its restaurant guests. Chef Serge Selbe, a professional with over 30 years of industry experience has been working with teachers and students to introduce them to the modern and professionally equipped kitchen. The menu we have created with the teachers and students blend international and local produce, combining fresh ingredients, native herbs and spices to create innovative and yet simple dining options, he reveals.

The restaurant and bar area of the Academy, which will be staffed by students under the watchful eyes of their teachers and the management team. Coyright: LuxDev

All meals and drinks offered at The Academy are prepared and served by students who are enhancing their skills in a real-life environment, supported and supervised by their teachers. Some of the students are experiencing working in a professional environment for the first time in their lives, which makes them exceptionally eager to learn. Students realise that they have a rare opportunity to gain much sought-after skills, making it easier to find a job upon graduation, one of the teachers, Ms Nidsakhone Sihachak added.

The last two months went by very fast, Ms Khambai Vongsodsavanh admitted, a student currently enrolled on the Diploma in Hospitality specialising in Restaurant Operations. It has been an intense learning experience for all of us ranging from receiving instructions on how to properly use a wide variety of kitchen utensils, being taught how to practice hygienic standards at all times as well as becoming familiar with all the intricacies of working in a bar and a restaurant.

The hotel at The Academy is also open to guests, offering six guest bedrooms that blend style and comfort with simplicity.

Each bedroom has a private balcony and is equipped with A/C, LCD TV, WiFi, complimentary tea/coffee making facilities and ensuite bathroom. Photo credit: Phoonsab Thevongsa

We can facilitate meetings and events in our meeting rooms which are equipped with LCD projectors, whiteboards, flipcharts and WiFi, the General Manager, Savija Pannark, explains. A wide variety of clients have already made use of our facilities and services, and we are ready to welcome new customers who wish to organise their meetings and events at our facility, she added.

With The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant offering new learning opportunities, students will see their horizons broadened and their aspirations raised, commented Mr Nouphan Outsa, Director General of the Technical Vocational Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Sports. It provides students with the vital work-related knowledge and skills which support them as they transition from school to work. In addition to enhancing their practical skills, training in The Academy will provide students with valuable interactions with the world of work, help them prepare to take up employment in the tourism and hospitality sector and achieve their potential.

The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant is supported by the Skills for Tourism (LAO/029) Project which is co-financed by the Governments of Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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