Nihongo Representative pose a group photo with Dr Phout Simmalavong.

Japanese citizens promote Japanese language among Lao students

Four Japanese citizens assigned to secondary schools in Laos to promote Japanese language education yesterday called on the Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof.Dr Phout Simmalavong.
The Japanese citizens, who are known as “Nihongo Partners”, support Japanese language teachers and students in the country. They are Ms Chiharu Yamada, Ms Nanoka Matsuoka, Ms Rikako Shigemori and Ms Yoshie Yamashita.
They met the minister at the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The programme that dispatches Nihongo Partners to Laos is also aimed at spreading the charms of the Japanese language and culture through learning support and cultural activities inside and outside the classroom.
Simultaneously, it is an opportunity for the Nihongo Partners to learn about Laos through their exchanges with students, teachers and the people of the community. The programme aims to deepen mutual understanding and expand exchanges between Japan and Laos.
The programme was started in Laos in 2016, and five batches with 13 people were sent to four secondary schools in Vientiane. However, the programme was suspended from 2020 to 2022 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the resumption of the programme this year, Nihongo Partners have been sent to four secondary schools in Vientiane, Nongbone, Phiawat and Phonthan. They will be in Laos for nine months from September 1, 2022 to May 2023.
The Japanese citizens said they were very encouraged by the enthusiastic attitude and kindness of both students and teachers.
During their meeting with the Minister, Ms Yoshie Yamashita said in a speech that they are proud to support Japanese language education in Laos. The Nihongo Partners will contribute to improving Japanese language education and cultural exchanges, she said.
When they return to Japan, they will tell others about the charm of Laos, she said.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update September 14, 2022)