Component 1: Integrated Vocational Training and Education Pathway and C1 Graduates

Mr. Suphat Khaykham is a keen supporter of the Vocational Training and Employment Support Services project (VTESS) implemented by Swisscontact. Suphat is the Deputy Director of the Integrated Vocational Education School (IVET) in Xieng Khuang, a Northeastern province of Laos. He understands the importance of the project for the school and its trainees. Suphat organises the teachers and the lessons, plans the internships of the trainees, and leads the cooperation between the IVET School and the project.

When you first meet Mr. Khamhoung Keobounhak, you immediately know that he is a dedicated, enthusiastic teacher. Khamhoung is the Head of Animal Husbandry Course at Integrated Vocational Education Training (IVET) School in XiengKhuang Province. Khamhoung has over 16 years of teaching experience. 

Ms. Lee Xuadaxong is a recent graduate of the Animal Husbandry Certificate 1 course at the Integrated Vocational Education Training School (IVET) in XiengKhuang Province.

Along with their mutual interest in agriculture, they discovered that had a similar family history. Prior to studying  agriculture, both had only finished the 5th grade. Neither of their families had enough money to support their education, so both had to leave school and help tend to their families’ farms.

When they saw a student recruitment advertisement in their village to join the VTESS training programme, they both jumped at the chance. Each was determined to pursue further studies in agriculture as they both have a fondness for this subject.  They felt that it could be beneficial in improving the livelihood of their families as well as an opportunity for each of them to run their own businesses in the future.

Mr. Thing Thor, a 35-year-old Hmong man, is a student in the Carpentry Department of the Integrated Vocational Education Training School (IVET) in XiengKhuang Province.