UPDATES

Xieng Khouang Province is set to improve access to clean water with support from the Japanese government, which has provided a grant of USD 67,900 for a water supply project under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the project was signed on 25 February by Chandy Navixay, a senior provincial official, and Koizumi Tsutomu, the Japanese Ambassador to Laos.

The initiative will be implemented in Xong village, Phoukoud district, to provide residents with access to clean and sanitized water through a new water supply facility. This project aims to reduce household expenses on drinking water by improving access to treated water.

GGP is part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, which supports economic development, human security, and sustainable growth in developing countries.

In addition to the clean water project, Japan also signed an agreement on the same day to support education in Laos by funding the improvement of teacher training centers in nine provinces: Huaphan, Borikhamxay, Bokeo, Xayaboury, Khammuan, Phongsaly, Xekong, Oudomxay, and Attapeu.

With a total budget of over USD 8.2 million, the project aims to enhance educator training and raise education standards, with completion expected by 2028.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/27/japan-aids-xieng-khouang-with-clean-water-supply-grant/

The beloved German children’s classic Emil and the Detectives, written by renowned author Erich Kästner, has now been translated into Lao. 

The launch event for this translated version took place at the German Embassy in Vientiane on 26 February.

Originally published in 1929, Emil and the Detectives marked a shift in German literary style and has since become a fundamental piece of children’s literature, praised for its emphasis on empowerment, self-confidence, and courage. 

The story features a group of resourceful children who take matters into their own hands to solve a mystery, proving that even the youngest can act with determination and shape their own destinies.

But translating this classic into Lao was no simple task, as noted by the translator, Ousavanh Thiengthepvongsa. The book is rich with slang and everyday language from 1920s Berlin, which presented a unique translation challenge.

Ousavanh studied in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) and spent many years living in Germany, Ousavanh brought together a deep understanding of both German literature and Lao culture to this project. 

He teamed up with Sonekham Seankhamta, an editor from the German Department at the National University of Laos (NUOL), and together they worked to ensure the language stayed true to the original while also making it relatable and accessible for young Lao readers.

The process of adapting the book’s historical, cultural, and linguistic elements to the Lao context required an in-depth understanding of both the original text and the target language. 

German classic Emil and the Detectives was translated into Lao. Launch day at the German Embassy in Vientiane.

“It was a challenge to translate the book word by word, striving to preserve its original meaning while ensuring that Lao readers could fully understand the true essence of the story,” said Ousavanh. “We wanted to ensure that the Lao readers could relate to the themes of courage and adventure, just as children in Germany have for decades.”

Erich Kästner, the author of the book, was born in Dresden in 1899 and is considered one of the most important German writers of the 20th century. Despite his popularity, Kästner’s books were publicly burnt by the Nazis in 1933, and the author was banned from writing. However, his legacy endures to this day with Emil and the Detectives.

The Lao version of Emil and the Detectives was published by the German charity association Books for Laos e.V., with support from the German Embassy in Laos and the Georg Kraus Foundation. This project is the result of a collaborative effort between the German Embassy, the NUOL, Books for Laos, and the grassroots literacy initiative Reading Elephant Laos, which has been supporting educational projects in Bokeo Province since 2017.

The first edition of the Lao translation comprises 600 copies, which will be distributed free of charge to schools, libraries, and reading projects in Laos. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/27/german-childrens-classic-emil-and-the-detectives-translated-into-lao/

LS Education is striving to provide students with internationally recognized qualifications and opportunities. To bridge the gap between local education and global standards, LS Education has partnered with PSB Academy, a renowned institution in Singapore known for its quality education and industry-relevant programs.

Through this collaboration, LS Education will offer PSB Academy’s accredited programs, allowing Lao students to earn internationally recognized e-learning certificates and diplomas without leaving their home country.

These qualifications are respected by employers and universities worldwide, equipping students with essential skills to compete in today’s interconnected world. This initiative not only improves the quality of education in Laos but also provides a cost-effective way for students to gain globally valued Singaporean qualifications.

“In collaboration with Horizontal Education, we are thrilled to launch our new e-learning programs at LS Education. Designed for flexibility, these programs enable learners to study at their own pace, anytime, anywhere, without traditional examinations,” said Michelle, the Director of International Student Recruitment at PSB Academy.

“With 10 disciplines to choose from, students can tailor their learning to their interests and career goals. Upon completion, they can progress to a range of higher-level qualifications, unlocking new academic and professional opportunities.”

Expanding Opportunities with Global Education Alliance (GEA)

Beyond PSB Academy, LS Education has also partnered with the Global Education Alliance (GEA) to open its first GEA Laos office. GEA connects students with over 1,000 universities worldwide, reinforcing LS Education’s commitment to expanding study-abroad opportunities.

This partnership provides Laotian students with access to top institutions in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and more. GEA also offers personalized guidance throughout the university application process, including support for selecting schools, securing scholarships, and obtaining visas. This initiative helps students broaden their horizons and pursue their academic dreams globally.

Moreover, LS Education’s efforts align with the Lao government’s goal of enhancing human capital and addressing the skills gap. By providing internationally recognized qualifications and study-abroad opportunities, LS Education is playing a vital role in shaping the country’s future workforce and supporting Laos’ socio-economic development.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/25/ls-education-expands-global-learning-opportunities-for-lao-students/

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