DVV International and the Department for Non-Formal Education (DNFE) of the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) celebrated their long-standing cooperation in a Handing-Over and Signing Ceremony at the premises of DVV International’s Regional Office in Vientiane. On Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 10 a.m.
The ceremony was attended by more than 60 persons, including H.E. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports and Dr. Guido Hildner, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the German Embassy in Vientiane.
DVV International, the German Adult Education Association, supports the establishment of sustainable structures for adult education and lifelong learning in Lao PDR. For many years, the Department of Non-Formal Education (DNFE) in the Ministry of Education and Sports has been its main partner. In the ceremony, DVV International and the DNFE reaffirmed their commitment to the mutual objectives. 1,350 diaries, 1,350 calendars and 500 Lifelong Learning Newsletters were handed over to DNFE. The handing over certificate was signed by Ms. Philany Phissamay, Acting Director of the Department and Mr. Christoph Jost, Regional Director for Southeast Asia of DVV International. The two sides further signed an agreement on the activities that will be carried out with financial support from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the year 2025. These activities will focus on the further implementation of the Decree for Lifelong Learning through a cross-sectoral policy dialogue, the ongoing roll-out of the lifelong concept in teacher training colleges, the use of digital tools in equivalency and basic vocational skills programs and the promotion and support of four model community learning centers where proven and new adult education approaches will be tested and implemented at the local level.
In his speech, Dr. Phout Simmalavong congratulated DNFE and DVV for their long-standing and valuable cooperation. He further outlined that Lao PDR recognizes the vital role of adult education and lifelong learning in achieving national development goals and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen the NFE sector to ensure that all Lao citizens can acquire the knowledge and skills they need in the 21st century. Dr. Guido Hildner, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the German Embassy, stressed that education plays a pivotal role for sustainable development and inclusive growth in Lao PDR. He encouraged DNFE, other governmental and development partners to continue their promising journey to make lifelong learning a reality in the country. Mr. Christoph Jost shared experiences and results from the successful cooperation and the international conference on lifelong learning that took place in the end of last year where DVV’s Regional Office Southeast Asia celebrated 15 years of presence in Laos.
DVV International is the International Institute of the German Adult Education Association (DVV). As leading professional organisation in the field of adult education and development, DVV International has committed itself to supporting lifelong learning for more than 50 years. In Lao PDR, DVV International cooperates since 2009 with the Department of Non-Formal Education of the MoES.