To enhance higher education in Laos, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the “Laos Higher Education for Accelerated Development (LEAD)” project.
With a total budget of USD 7.87 million, the initiative aims to enhance academic performance across several regions in the country, including Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Champassak, and Vientiane Capital.
The LEAD project, which officially kicked off on 16 December, will focus on improving the quality of education in Laos, with particular attention to developing stronger academic content. Key aspects of the initiative include enhancing English language proficiency, introducing cultural exchange programs for students, increasing scholarship opportunities, and building 21st-century professional skills to ensure that Laos’ higher education institutions can compete on a global scale.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International and the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Sports. It is designed to elevate Laos’ educational standards, which in turn will foster socio-economic development throughout the country.
A Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed by Lavanh Vongkhamsane, Director General of the Department of Higher Education, and Paul Kaiser, Chief of Party for the RTI-LEAD project. The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including Samlane Phankhavong, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, andUS Ambassador to Laos, Heather Variava.
