Vientiane:The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) recently honored Risa Shibata, a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for her significant contributions to the development of education, science, and sports in Lao PDR. The ceremony marked the end of her term, which lasted from July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026. Ms. Shibata received a certificate from Ms. Phutsavath Vongphachanh, the Deputy Head of the MoES Cabinet Office, in the presence of officials and representatives.
According to Lao News Agency, during her tenure, Ms. Shibata played an instrumental role in supporting various Japanese grant-aid and cooperation projects. These projects included the construction and upgrading of educational facilities, enhancing laboratory and equipment resources at the Faculty of Engineering of the National University of Laos, and improving provincial teacher development centers.
Her efforts extended to advancing secondary school facilities in central and southern provinces and upgrading infrastructure like Chao Anouvong Stadium. She also promoted human resource and technical development through several initiatives, such as the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) programme, HUGETECH, iTEAM2 and iTEAM3 projects, and the Nikon-JICA scholarship programme for students at Savannakhet Teacher Training College.
The Ministry highlighted that these contributions have significantly aided human resource development and improved education and sports infrastructure. Furthermore, Ms. Shibata's work has strengthened the friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan, aligning with the objectives of the 10th Five-Year Education Sector Development Plan.