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SWOP Calls For Investment in Adolescent Girls Today

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The State of the World Population (SWOP) 2016 titled “How our future depends on a girl at this decisive age” was released in Vientiane Capital, yesterday that called for the investment in adolescent girls.

To mark the event, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lao PDR in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Lao Youth Union (LYU), and the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) and other development partners, such as MCNV, the European Union, Plan International, Child Fund, CARE International, Save the Children, organized an event under the theme “Our future depends on how well we invest in adolescent girls today”.

The event included the launch of the State of the World Population Report, and of a collectively produced animation film of “Noi”, a story of adolescent girls in Lao PDR.  It was followed by a Research Forum on Adolescent Reproductive Health.

The 2016 UNFPA report shows that forced marriage, child labour and other harming practices undermine the health and rights of girls – starting at age 10 – preventing them from realizing their full potential as adults.  The United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its accompanying 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) may never be achieved in countries and regions where girls are not accepted to participate in this plan of social and economic progress.

Ten is a pivotal age for girls everywhere, as puberty approaches.  In some parts of the world, a girl at this age enjoys limitless possibilities and begins making choices that influences her education, and later, her work, and her life.  But in other parts, a girl who goes through puberty is suddenly seen as a commodity that may be bought, sold or traded, the UNFPA report shows.  She may be forced to marry, pulled out of school and expected to start bearing children at a young age, beginning a lifetime of servitude and submission.  This girl never decides about her own fate.

“Impeding a girl’s safe healthy path through adolescence to a productive and autonomous adulthood is a violation of her rights,” Vice President of LWU, Ms Sirikit Boupha.  “But it also takes a toll on her community and nation.  Whenever a girl’s potential goes unrealized, we all lose.”

In Lao PDR, there are 700,230 adolescent girls aged 10-19 presenting the challenges and opportunities for the countries development.  And despite much progress made, these girls today are facing issues about going to school, sufficient job opportunities, poor health and a healthy intake of nutrition.

“Investing in adolescent girls, specifically in their education and sexual and reproductive health education, can help bring about a demographic dividend through a number of different paths: better educated girls are more likely to work, and will earn more money when they do.  Girls who remain in school through their adolescence are also more likely to marry later, have children when they are ready, and be empowered to make their own decisions, to take care of their families, and contribute to the country development.  If we would like to maximize the potentials of the large population that we have today, we cannot leave any young girls behind,” said Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, PhD Kikeo Chanthaboury.

To increase the understanding of some challenges faced by adolescent girls in Laos, an animation film “Noi” was created jointly by LYU, LWU, MPI, and UNFPA.  The “Noi” character represents all adolescent girls, and her diversity in Lao PDR.  She has been developed with the idea to bundle and align all investments through multi-sectoral partnerships assisting adolescent girls in realizing their potential.

The film shows that more than 42,000 adolescent girls never attended school.  One in four girls dropped out of school.  One in 10 girls aged 15-19 married before age 15, and nearly one in five has begun childbearing.  Without support from all sectors and partners, adolescent girls will not be able to reach their dreams.

Deputy General Secretary of LYU, Ms. Vilavanh Phanthavong said that, “‘Noi” is representative of all adolescent Lao girls.  Her story is aimed to bring out issues that are relevant to adolescent girls and advocate for greater attention and investment for this important age group.  It is our hope that ‘Noi’ will be owned by all partners.”

The new development agenda, endorsed by world leaders in 2015, is the blueprint for countries’ social and economic progress for 15 years.  It aims for equitable development that leaves no one behind.  Removing the barriers that hold 10-year-old girls back today will increase the chances that the agenda will be a success, the report argues.

Ms. Frederika added: “What and how we invest in adolescent girls such as ‘Noi’ today, will determine how Lao PDR will look like in 2030.”

The launch of the State of World Population Report and the film ‘Noi’ was followed by the Research Forum on Adolescent Reproductive Health.  The Forum, led by NIOPH, brought together researchers and experts from the Mekong Sub-Region to share experiences and lessons learned on adolescent reproductive health.  The forum aims to assess evidence gaps and establish an Adolescent research agenda to better understand the complex issues faced by them in Laos and other Mekong countries.  A regional research network and an on-line platform were also launched.  The website under the named sdg4a.org (SDGs for Adolescents) is hosted by the National Institute of Public Health here in Lao PDR.

The event today marks a significant step for the Government in striving towards reaching SDG Goal 17 – Partnerships.  This event was jointly organized and supported by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Health, the Lao Youth Union, the Lao Women’s Union, UNFPA, MCNV, the EU, Plan International, Child Fund, CARE International, and Save the Children.  These partnerships will strive to educate and empower Noi, and help to bring about the future we all want.

She is 10 years old.  Capable of rapidly absorbing wisdom and knowledge from those around her, she is poised to one day become an inspiring leader, a productive worker, an innovator, a caring parent or any of the other roles that power a thriving, dynamic society.  She will shape the future of her community and our shared world.  A flurry of life-changing events pulls her in many directions.  Where she ends up depends on the support she receives and the power she has to shape her own future.  In fact, a 10-year-old girl’s life trajectory will be the true test of whether the 2030 agenda is a success or failure, the report states.

 

Source: KPL

Twenty Nine Students and Entrepreneurs Join a Business Study Tour to Japan

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The Embassy of Japan on October 24 held a send-off reception at the Japanese ambassador’s residence for nine female students and twenty female entrepreneurs who are departing for Japan to participate in a business study tour under the “JENESYS 2016”program supported by the Japanese Government.

The group will stay in Japan from October 25 to 1November 2016 and take part in the “Female Entrepreneurship” program.

The study tour offers the participants opportunities to enhance their business knowledge and get ideas for their business based on lessons learned from Japanese business activities. In addition, the participants can deepen their understanding of Japanese traditional and contemporary culture.

The nine Lao students were selected from outstanding female students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the twenty entrepreneurs were selected in collaboration with the JICA Laos Office, the JETRO Laos Office, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

At the send-off reception, Mr. Kazunori Kawada, Minister Counsellor of Japan to the Lao PDR, emphasized in his remarks that participants shall be messengers for what they find attractive about Japan, such as coexistence of high technology and tradition, beautiful and delicious Japanese food, care for nature and environment, animation and J-pops etc.

Following the Minister Counsellor’s remarks, Ms. Souphaphone Souannavong, a representative of the participants, who is a founder of TOHLAO Coworking Space, expressed her appreciation to the Japanese Government and her determination to study Japanese business activities and make use of this experience for her business.

 

Source: KPL

Lao PDR Makes a Significant Progress in Child Right Efforts

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The Lao PDR has made significant progress in child right promotion with international convention incorporated into national laws and policies on child rights.

A workshop held in Vientiane on Tuesday was told that the government has made legal child protection frameworks including law on Juvenile Criminal procedures, Prime Minister’s Decree of Adoption, Law on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Children.

National strategies and plans of action that take into account the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child have been developed in the areas of Inclusive Education, Nutrition and violence will also be reported as the government is striving towards achieving the 8th National Socio-economic Development Plan as well as Sustainable Development Goals.

UNICEF Representative Hongwei Gao appreciated the government of Lao PDR, in particular the National Commission for Mothers and Children upon the progress made towards the development of the state report on the implementation of the convention of the rights of the child.

Ms Gao said that the Lao PDR has achieved MDG targets on poverty reduction, universal access to primary education, gender parity in primary education, maternal mortality reduction, and access to water and sanitation though there are some targets remain unmet such as child nutrition and primary school completion.

“UNICEF is pleased to partner with you and support this process. We remain committed to supporting the government in order to promote and realize the rights of all children through further implementation, monitoring and reporting on the CRC (UN convention),” added Ms Hongwei.

Tuesday’s workshop, which saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, provided an opportunity to the government, ministries, development partners, CSOs and NGOs to review and provide inputs into a draft report that has been developed under the leadership of the National Commission for Mothers and Children, with the technical and financial support provided by UNICEF.

 

Source: KPL

WIG Bazzar 2016 to Return Coming Month

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The Women’s International Group (WIG) Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 19 at the Lao National University Faculty of Engineering, Sokpaluang Road, Vientiane Capital from 10 am to 6 pm.

The WIG Bazzar is a popular and much-loved community event that is free and open to all members of the public. Last year’s event attract over 10,000 visitors.

The WIG Bazaar is the primary annual fundraising activity for WIG. All profits from the event are allocated to WIG’s health and education projects, which help disadvantaged people access medical care and support the construction of schools.

WIG is also currently accepting donation of goods for the popular second-hand stall. Community members are welcome to donate clothing, book, bric-a-brac, household items, toys and more. Drop off points for donations are Common Grounds Café.

The WIG Bazaar is organized by WIG, a voluntary group of women and men of all national ties based in Vientiane, who initiate and support charities in Lao PDR. WIG was founded in 1990 and currently has over 130 members.

Embassies, international organizations and local businesses are invited to set up booths to share information, showcase and sell handicraft, food and drink, and other products including local Fair Trade wares.

The event also features live music and entertainment, a raffle with great prizes, a children’s Corner with fun games and activities for kids, and WIG’s popular Cake and Second Hand stalls.

 

Source: KPL

BCEL-KT: Trade Summary (Oct 25, 2016)

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LSX closed up 8.84 points at 1,000.59 points, breaching its 1,000 mark. The trading volume today totaled at 35,500 shares, worth about 169 million kip, contributed mainly by EDL-Gen and BCEL shares. BCEL closed at 5,200 kip, 50 kip higher, and EDL-Gen closed at the unchanged price of 4,900 kip, while other stocks finished unchanged, with LWPC closing at 6,100 kip, PTL at 2,500 kip and SVN at 3,050 kip.

PM Signs a Book of Condolences on Thai King’s Passing

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Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith signed on Oct 24 in Bangkok, Thailand, a book of condolences to mourn the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on behalf of the government and people of the Lao PDR.

King Bhumibol, who would have turned 89 on Dec 5 of this year, passed away peacefully at the Chalermphrakiet Building at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok at 3:52 pm on Oct 13.

“All royal family members were in attendance at the time,” said the English daily Bangkok Post.

The ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946 and was the world’s longest-reigning monarch.

Well-wishers in pink and yellow had been flocking to the hospital to pray for him since the Royal Household Bureau of the Kingdom of Thailand announced on Oct 9 that the King’s condition was “unstable”.

“For seven decades, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was Thailand’s guiding light. The monarch, regarded far and wide as the Father of the nation, took the country out of several deadly turns with his wise counsel. His fortitude and devotion to human development were an inspiration to all,” said a mourning message posted by the post.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Private Sector Invests Billions of kip in Construction of Basic Education Infrastructure

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The private sector invested over 362 billion kip (about US44.5 million) in the construction of basic education infrastructure last year, considering it a crucial role in helping the government’s effort to develop human resources.

The total amount of investment made by the private sector last year was disclosed yesterday at a meeting by the Private School Association held in Vientiane Capital.

Almost 100 representatives from private schools and educational institutions across the country reviewed the implementation work of the private school sector last year and set an ambitious plan for coming year.

Currently, the association has 563 private schools as members. These include 64 colleges, 30 vocational schools and 469 general education institutes and almost 9,000 teachers, of which 4,000 are female, said President of the Private School Association Mr. Somphet Rattanasim.

Next year, the Private School Association will continue expanding its members of youth, women and the Lao Federation of Trade Unions to improve teacher quality and ensure that teachers’ abilities are sufficient to enable the students of today to compete both regionally and internationally in the future.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Indochina Bank Assists Disabled Students in Vientiane Province

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Indochina Bank has initiated a community assistance project for disabled and underprivileged students in Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province.

The project was launched on Saturday at Napheng Primary School with the aim of assisting disabled students whose education facilities are limited.

According to the bank, the management and staff of Indochina Bank last weekend donated educational items and funding totalling 35 million kip for 70 disabled students at 29 schools around the district.

They also presented bags containing pencils, books, colouring books and prepared lunches for 127 children at Napheng Primary School worth 18 million kip.

In addition, some sports equipment such as footballs and Sepak Takraw items, as well as guide books, were given to 29 schools.

For this year’s corporate social responsibility venture, the bank decided to work with the Education for Development Foundation in aiding 70 disabled students in Thouklakom district.

Indochina Bank is committed to continuously contributing to the betterment of the society that we live in, Managing Director of Indochina Bank Mr. Tay Hong Heng said at the launch of the project.

The bank envisions that all children, regardless of ethnicity, creed, or disability can achieve their full potential, and to make it possible in whatever way it can.

Mr. Tay said We will also be arranging lots of fun-filled activities for the children. In addition, the management and staff of Indochina Bank have prepared different kinds of food and drinks which will be served at the stalls set up in this venue.

Indochina Bank is one of the top private banks in Laos. As one of the leading private banks, it regards the fulfilment of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) as a mandatory annual activity on top of its daily operations. Following the principle of We care’, Indochina Bank has been pursuing one of its objectives of giving back to the community on a regular basis. Indochina Bank recognises CSR as an integral part of its development strategy.

Indochina Bank contributed more than 53 million kip to the cost of the project. The money will go towards scholarships for the 70 disabled children at 29 schools in Thouklakom district and around 120 gift packs for schoolchildren, according to the bank.

Indochina Bank has also supported other community projects with donations for underprivileged children at Dansavanh Primary School, the COPE Centre, 790 Special Rehabilitation Centre, and flood victims in Ketsana district, Khammuan province, and Sangthong district in Vientiane.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Head of the Education and Sports Office in Thoulakhom district, Mr. Thongyon Chandala, Project Manager of the Education for Development Foundation, Mr. Khamhien Inthavha, and the principals of the 29 primary schools in Thoulakhom district.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

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