LAO/336
Renforcement des compétences en tourisme, agriculture et sylviculture

Dernières nouvelles

• LAOS - Cross-border collaboration to strengthen non-formal vocational skills development

  Publié le 20 Mai 2024    Par Anais LOGIER   

  The Department of Non-Formal Education (DNFE) under the Ministry of Education and Sports in Lao PDR recognises the crucial role of non-formal vocational skills development in empowering rural communities, especially in the agriculture and forestry sectors. To learn from best practices and inform its own strategies, the DNFE, with support from the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme, organised a study tour to neighbouring Vietnam, a country with significant experience in this area.

  

  The trip - which took place in April 2024 - focused on the northern part of Vietnam, specifically Hanoi City, Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa Provinces. The objectives were threefold:

  • to better understand the Vietnamese non-formal vocational skills development strategy;
  • to explore the technical resources required for non-formal vocational skills development in agriculture and forestry, the curriculum development process, the effective delivery models and teacher training;
  • and to forge partnerships with technical stakeholders in Vietnam in non-formal vocational skills development.

  The Lao delegation was headed by Mr Sengaloun Boutsady, Deputy Director General, DNFE. The 17 participants (including six women) included DNFE technical staff, a representative from the Department of Bilateral Cooperation under Ministry of Education and Sports, managers and technical staff from non-formal education centres in five provinces and Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme technical advisers.

  

  On the first day, the participants met the Department of Continuing Education under the Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Basic Vocational Training under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to learn about Vietnam’s strategies and good practices in promoting non-formal vocational skills development to support socio-economic development.

  In the following days, the participants visited two non-formal education centres and observed different training models in Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa Provinces to learn how the strategies are applied at local level, including a community-based weaving and embroidery training model using local artisans as certified trainers, a fish raising training and coaching model in cooperation with the District Agriculture Extension Centre, a mulberry cultivation and silkworm raising model using both model farmers and agriculture extension staff, and a bamboo weaving training and production model by a private company.

  On the final day of the study tour, the participants held a debriefing session, during which they reported insights learnt and identified areas with potential for replication in Lao PDR. Several key takeaways emerged from this session. Action points were established to address these findings, offering valuable insights into enhancing non-formal vocational skills development services in Lao PDR.

  

  Among these insights was the importance of collaborative resource utilisation, specifically regarding teachers. In Vietnam, non-formal education centres leverage partnerships with teachers from general education institutions for literacy training programmes, with technical and vocational education and training institutions, agriculture departments and the private sector to provide vocational training in the agriculture and forestry sectors. This collaborative approach not only optimises resource and teacher allocation but also enriches the quality of non-formal vocational skills development programmes.

  

  Another commendable practice observed was the establishment of a system that certifies model farmers and local artisans to become trainers for basic vocational training courses, an excellent initiative that expands the pool of potential trainers. Such an approach becomes particularly crucial in the context of increasingly specialised agriculture and forestry production, where distinct stages of the production process are handled by separate entities or firms (vertical specialisation). Consequently, training institutions must adapt to meet these specialised training needs effectively.

  

  Moreover, the dual learning model observed in Vietnam for non-formal education — a framework wherein students participate in both general education (in the morning) and vocational training (in the afternoon) — presented a compelling strategy for maximising skill acquisition.

  Another discussion point was the student recruitment strategy. In Vietnam, recruitment of learners for basic vocational training is based on learners’ resources and potential outcomes, rather than simply on students’ needs and wishes. By focusing on these resources and outcomes, notably job prospects and income potential, non-formal vocational skills development initiatives can be tailored to meet the evolving needs of communities.

  Finally, incentivising excellence through competitions among non-formal education centres can elevate the overall quality of vocational training programmes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

  

  The study tour exemplifies the importance of cross-border cooperation, serving as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and mutual learning, essential for advancing development initiatives. By learning from Vietnam's experience, Lao PDR’s DNFE is now motivated and aspires to prepare for upcoming non-formal education strategy development as well as cooperating with the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme to implement selected action points such as training of trainers on pedagogy skills for basic vocational training, curriculum development for bamboo handicraft production, weaving and embroidery non-formal courses and providing basic vocational training for students of non-formal education centres.

  The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is co-financed by Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

• LAOS - Beekeeping study tour in Xiengkhouang Province A continued journey to empower beekeepers from Bokeo

  Publié le 2 Avril 2024    Par Anaïs LOGIER   

  A recent study tour organised by the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme, together with the Local Development Programme, to Xiengkhouang Province opened up opportunities for enhancing beekeeping practices in partner villages in Bokeo Province. Study tour participants, including beekeepers, trainers from two beekeeping training centres, representatives of Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Offices, and representatives of the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Department of Non-Formal Education, embarked on an enriching journey to promote knowledge exchange and skills development.

  

  From 2017 to 2019, there was a notable surge in honey production and sales in Bokeo Province. To bolster this thriving livelihood activity, the Local Development Programme in its previous phase, supported skills development and equipment for existing and new beekeepers in the province, thereby enhancing their beekeeping practices[1]. The STAF Programme is now working with the Local Development Programme to ensure that local beekeepers have access to the necessary resources and expertise to help overcome market fluctuations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and forge a resilient path forward for local honey production.

  

  Traveling via Vientiane Capital, participants from Bokeo Province flew to Xiengkhouang Province. This was particularly exciting for some beekeepers who had never left their province or been on a plane before. Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the group had a brief opportunity to delve into the cultural heritage of the province by visiting the renowned UNESCO world heritage Plain of Jars a spectacular and mysterious site with some 460 jars of unknown origin, carved in stone, which probably served as funerary urns thousands of years ago.

  

  The following two days were dedicated to experience sharing and valuable learning opportunities on beekeeping practices. Participants visited beekeepers in Phosy Village, Phek District, where they learned about new techniques applied by local beekeepers, observed the use of different materials and equipment and engaged in insightful discussions about honey production and the challenges it faces, including climate change. Villagers from Phosy Village also showcased beekeeping-derived products such as candles, soaps and lipsticks, and organised a small tasting of local honey. All participants then enjoyed a delicious traditional lunch prepared by the villagers before heading to Phon Village, where further honey-making practices were explored, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved.

  

  The following morning, the group visited a beekeeping processing centre in Peak District, providing them with a great opportunity to gain deeper insights into honey processing and marketing practices.

  A highlight of the trip was the visit to Phonxay Village, where beekeepers demonstrated their use of horizontal log hives and highlighted their benefits. This interactive session facilitated, once again, constructive discussions and knowledge-sharing among participants from Bokeo and from Xiengkhouang.

  

  The study tour provided an ideal platform for listening sessions, interactive demonstrations, and in-depth discussions on various facets of beekeeping, including processing techniques, necessary equipment and effective marketing strategies. One of the key takeaways was the emphasis on both technical skills and the recognition of the social and economic development potential of beekeeping initiatives at the village, district, and provincial levels.

  Participant feedback underlines the study tour’s resounding success, with many eager to apply newly learned techniques and strategies in their own communities.

  Mr. Somdy Sayyatour, from Phienghut Village, Pha Odom District, Bokeo Province, lauded the study tour for its exposure to innovative practices and expressed eagerness to share his learnings with fellow farmers. “I’m so pleased I got the chance to be a part of this trip” he explained. “In my village, we’ve been practicing beekeeping for a short time and we use local traditional methods. Thanks to this tour, I’ve learnt new ones such as the use of wax to catch bees in the hives. I look forward to sharing the knowledge I gained with the other beekeepers in my village.” This trip was a great opportunity for Mr. Somdy to improve his beekeeping skills, while exploring another region of Lao PDR. He concluded, “it was nice to meet new people from other provinces and share local experiences. Overall, I had a lot of fun”.

  

  Ms. Phetsamone Manivong also shared her satisfaction regarding the study tour, which marked her first field trip in her new position as technical staff of the Livestock Section at the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, Bokeo. She was very impressed with the local knowledge and skills demonstrated by the beekeepers in Xiengkhouang. “I can clearly see a difference between farmers in both provinces. Here, they are much more creative and advanced in terms of techniques. In Bokeo, we have much less means and resources”. Ms. Phetsamone commended the initiative for its tangible impact and pledged continued support for implementing new techniques in Bokeo Province.

  

  One week after the beekeeping study tour, the STAF and Local Development Programmes supported the Bokeo Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office to organise a workshop to review lessons learned and develop training plans for beekeepers for the upcoming year. These plans address both technical and marketing skills needs of Bokeo beekeepers. It is expected that these efforts will help revive honey production business in Bokeo Province post-COVID-19 pandemic.

  The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is co-financed by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

  The Local Development Programme is co-financed by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

• LAOS - Cooperating for the provision of Non-Formal Vocational Skills Development in Agriculture and Forestry

  Publié le 20 Décembre 2023    Par Anaïs LOGIER   

  On 13 and 14 December 2023, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) Department of Non-Formal Education (DNFE), together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Department of Agricultural Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC), supported by Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme (LAO/336), held a workshop to identify opportunities for inter-departmental cooperation for the provision of non-formal and informal agriculture and forestry vocational skills development (VSD). 

  The workshop was chaired by Mr Nouphanh Outsa, Director-General, MoES Department of Technical and Vocational Education, and co-chaired by Mr Sengaloun Boutsady, Deputy Director-General, MoES DNFE and Dr Phanxay Ingxay, Deputy Director-General, MAF DAEC. Workshop participants included representatives of provincial non-formal education centres, as well as provincial agriculture and forestry offices.

  

  The workshop had two objectives: 

  • to introduce the agriculture and forestry components of the STAF Programme to public non-formal and informal VSD providers in Lao PDR;
  • and to establish a foundation for cooperation in non-formal and informal VSD delivery.

  Following presentations of the STAF Programme (and the Local Development Programme (LAO/338) with which the STAF Programme collaborates), a discussion panel comprising Mr Nouphanh Outsa, Mr Sengaloun Boutsady, Dr Phanxay Ingxay, and Mr Phetsamon Thanasack, Deputy Director-General, MAF Department of Organisation and Personnel, delved into the specific roles, responsibilities, and challenges encountered by different departments and ministries in delivering non-formal and informal VSD in agriculture and forestry. The afternoon session saw participants divided into three groups to discuss their 2024 activity plans for non-formal and informal agriculture and forestry VSD.

  On the second day, participants were grouped by provinces (Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Khammouane and Bolikhamxay) to discuss and encourage potential synergies among stakeholders within each province to execute activity plans.

  

  During the workshop, a noticeable convergence emerged in the 2024 workplans of the DNFE and DAEC (and their provincial representatives) further underlining the importance of coordination mechanisms and ongoing dialogue to prevent duplication of effort and optimisation of benefits for people in rural communities. With a shared commitment to coordination and dialogue, the MoES and the MAF are confident that joint efforts will be undertaken, maximising the impact of non-formal and informal VSD in the agriculture and forestry sectors in Lao PDR. 

  

  The LAO/336 - Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is co-financed by Laos, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

• LAOS - Lancement du programme de renforcement des compétences en tourisme, agriculture et sylviculture

  Publié le 27 Septembre 2023    Par Nicolas TASCH   

  Le gouvernement de la République démocratique populaire lao et les partenaires de "Team Europe", le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, la Suisse et l'Union européenne, se sont réunis ce 26 septembre 2023 à Vientiane pour lancer le programme "Renforcement des compétences en tourisme, agriculture et sylviculture", doté d'un budget total de 25 MEUR.

  L'événement de lancement a coïncidé avec le premier comité de pilotage du programme. Il a été présidé par S.E. le professeur associé Dr. Phout Simmalavong, ministre de l'Éducation et des Sports, qui a été rejoint par les co-présidents, M. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d'affaires de l'Ambassade du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg au Laos, S.E. M^me Ina Marčiulionytė, Ambassadeur de l'Union européenne au Laos, et M^me Aurélie Righetti, Directrice adjointe de la coopération pour la région du Mékong, de la Direction du développement et de la coopération suisse.

  

  Développer les compétences des jeunes et les aider à trouver un emploi plus facilement

  Le nouveau programme quinquennal vise à améliorer les compétences et l'employabilité des jeunes femmes et hommes dans les secteurs du tourisme, de l'agriculture et de la sylviculture. Pour ce faire, il fournira une assistance technique et financière afin de :

  • améliorer la pertinence et la qualité de la formation ;
  • accroître la disponibilité et l'accessibilité des cours, notamment par l'octroi de bourses aux étudiants issus de milieux défavorisés ;
  • aider les apprenants à passer de la formation à l'emploi ou à l'auto-emploi.

  Le programme devrait bénéficier directement à plus de 20 000 jeunes, en particulier ceux issus de milieux défavorisés. Dans le secteur du tourisme, les interventions couvriront les provinces de Vientiane, Khammouane, Bolikhamxay, Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Champasak et Vientiane Capitale. Pour l'agriculture et la sylviculture, les provinces partenaires sont Vientiane, Khammouane, Bolikhamxay, Bokeo et Luang Prabang.

  

  Le programme "Renforcement des compétences en tourisme, agriculture et sylviculture" est cofinancé par le Laos, le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, la Suisse et l'Union européenne, et mis en œuvre par le ministère de l'Éducation et des Sports lao et LuxDev, l'agence luxembourgeoise pour la Coopération au développement.