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Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) Project Launches in Laos, Fostering Future-Ready Youth

Laos
Initial vocational education and training
03.04.2024
The Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) Project officially kicked off on April 3rd, 2021, at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital, marking the beginning of its implementation in Laos. The event featured a panel discussion on the Current Situation of Future Outlook of ICT in the Education Sector in Laos, emphasizing the project's objectives and its significance for the country's digital landscape.

The kick-off event commenced with opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silinthone Sacklokham, Director General of the International Cooperation Department at MoES; Mr. Daniel Paul Keller, Vice-President of the Board from the Dariu Foundation; and Mr. Michael Fink, Country Director of Swisscontact in the Lao PDR. The event was attended by 49 participants representing various provincial and central government agencies, as well as development partners and private sector stakeholders, who demonstrated their commitment and support for the project's objectives. In addition, Mr. Nguyen Van Hanh General Manager, The Dariu Foundation also presented on Increasing Digital Skills for Youth in Vietnam.

The kick-off event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Daniel Paul Keller.

A significant segment of the event was the panel discussion about ICT in the Education Sector in Lao PDR, moderated by Mr. Michael Frink and featuring experts from different sectors, including Mr. Phoukaoka Saklokham, Director of ICT in the Education Sector in Lao PDR; Prof. Dr. Sanouphap Phomkeona; and Mrs. Soukthavone Vongsavanh, Managing Director of the VF Learning Center.

The panel discussion about ICT in the Education Sector in Lao PDR.

Before concluding the event, Mr. Daniel Paul Keller delivered a significant message emphasizing the importance of digital literacy for youth, stating,

"In emphasizing the importance of digital literacy education, it is crucial to recognize that it goes beyond mere computer literacy. It encompasses the development of both hard skills, such as project development and presentation skills, and soft skills, including teamwork and creativity that prepare young people, especially girls, for the future job market in the digital economy."
"On behalf of the Dariu Foundation, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this event's success, from preparation to presentation. I wish this project continued success and eagerly anticipate future gatherings to witness its impact on fulfilling the vision of the Lao government and society. Thank you."
Mr. Daniel Paul Keller
Robots were created by students from the CEIT Robot.

Funded by Bread for the World and The Dariu Foundation, the DLI Project is set to span two years from 2024 to 2026. Its primary aim is to equip youth with essential digital skills for the emerging digital economy. This will be achieved through basic coding and programming lessons, coding clubs, and digital entrepreneurship courses targeted at upper secondary schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The robot from the VF Learning Center won second prize at the 10th IYRC competition in Korea in 2023.
Laos
Initial vocational education and training
Digital Literacy Initiative Laos
The Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) aims to better prepare youth for productive activities in the digital economy through basic coding and programming lessons, coding clubs and digital entrepreneurship courses for students of upper secondary schools and TVET (technical and vocational education and training) colleges.
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