STAF programme joint donor field visit showcases progress in skills development

In September 2026, the Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry (STAF) programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) through the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training and LuxDev, welcomed representatives from the Embassy of Luxembourg in Lao PDR, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the European Union for its 2026 joint donor field mission. Over three days, the delegation visited educational institutions and training sites in Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province to observe how the STAF programme is supporting inclusive, relevant and sustainable vocational skills development across Lao PDR.

The mission began at the Hands of Hope Vocational Training Centre for the Deaf, where delegates met students and trainers and learned about the STAF programme's support for the basic vocational training programme for young adults with hearing impairments. The initiative is implemented through the MoES Department of Non-Formal Education and the Regional Non-Formal Education Development Centre, helping to ensure that vocational training opportunities are accessible to all.

The delegation then visited Pakpasak Technical College, where discussions focused on initiatives to promote inclusive vocational education, strengthen revenue generation for the sustainable financing of vocational training, and integrate technology into teaching and learning. At the college's School of Tourism and Hospitality, delegates enjoyed a lunch prepared and served by students, demonstrating the practical skills they are developing through hands-on training.

The day concluded at the National University of Laos, where the delegation observed teacher training sessions on animal health and surgery. Discussions also highlighted preparations for the rollout of new Certificate Level 3 and Diploma Level 4 veterinary programmes at vocational colleges in the provinces of Khammouane, Bolikhamxay and Xieng Khuang.

The second day took the delegation to Ban Phonsavang in Feuang District, Vientiane Province, where they learned about the STAF programme's support for community-based basic vocational training. Participants met trainers and trainees attending a native chicken-raising course and witnessed how practical skills training is helping to improve livelihoods and create income-generating opportunities for rural communities.

In the afternoon, the mission continued at The Academy Vang Vieng Training Hotel and Restaurant. Provincial leaders, educators and private-sector representatives discussed the development of tourism and hospitality skills to meet the growing demands of the labour market.

The second day highlighted how the STAF programme is expanding opportunities, strengthening local training provision and investing in a skilled workforce to support Lao PDR's socio-economic development.

The visit also marked the official handover of newly constructed STAF-supported training and ancillary facilities, including a training kitchen, a training café and accommodation for students and teachers. These investments will further strengthen the quality and accessibility of hospitality training in the province.

The joint donor field mission concluded in Vientiane Capital with the launch of the National Labour Market Information System (LMIS) Vision 2055 and Strategy 2035. The event was chaired by Mr Phongxaysack INTHALATH, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare.

The launch showcased how the LMIS will:

• support Lao PDR's digital transformation agenda;
• improve alignment between skills development and labour market needs;
• strengthen workforce planning for employers, workers and government institutions.

The introduction of the LMIS marks an important milestone in enhancing employment services, improving job matching and ensuring that skills development remains responsive to the evolving needs of the economy.

After three days of learning, dialogue and collaboration, the joint donor field mission concluded with a shared commitment among government partners, development partners, educational institutions and the private sector to strengthen vocational skills development across Lao PDR. Through continued investment in people, skills and opportunities, the STAF programme is helping to build a more inclusive, skilled and resilient workforce for the future.

Together, we continue investing in skills for employment, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth.

The six-year (2023–2028) STAF programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports together with LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.