On 18 December 2024, the APTERR Secretariat, in collaboration with Lao PDR’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), distributed rice assistance under the Tier 3 School Distribution Programme (SDP) to students at the Luang Prabang Special Education School in Lao PDR.
This 2-MT rice contribution, provided by Japan through APTERR, will support school meals for 78 students with disabilities enrolled in primary and secondary levels. The Luang Prabang Special Education School, one of only two such schools in the country, serves students from rural areas in northern Lao PDR, many of whom reside in school dormitories.
Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for the generous contribution and the Government of Lao PDR for actively carrying out this programme implementation. He highlighted that this SDP would enhance students’ well-being and support their education and recreational activities.
The event was attended by representatives from the MLSW, led by Mr. Vongkham Phanthanouvong, Director General of Social Welfare Department; the MAF, represented by Dr. Soulaphone Inthavong, Deputy Director General of Department of Planning and Cooperation (DoPC) and APTERR Council member; and the MAFF, led by Mr. Toshiki Tojo, Deputy Director of Grain Trade and Operation Division, accompanied by Ms. Atsuko Matsuoka, Section Chief of Grain Trade and Operation Division. The APTERR Secretariat including Mr. Akinori Ando, Japanese Expert and APTERR staff also participated.
The SDP, initiated by Japan through Tier 3, aims to alleviate poverty and enhance food security among students. This is the second implementation of the programme, following its success in the Philippines. Under the programme, a total of 20 MT of rice will be distributed to schools in provinces of Luang Prabang, Xayyabourly as well as Vientiane Capital, benefitting nearly 1,700 students.
