The visit program was developed by DIISRTE and the AEI Hanoi, in conjunction with AusAID and the South Australian Government, and commenced at Sydney University, which houses the Mekong Research Group, a leading international centre of expertise on the Mekong Region.

 

The delegation met with Senator the Hon Chris Evans, visited the Australian Parliament, attended a roundtable meeting with senior AusAID, DFAT, DEEWR and DIISTRE officials and met with teachers and students at Ainslie Primary School in Canberra.

 

In Adelaide the delegation met with the South Australian Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Tom Kenyon, and representatives from the Department of Education and Children’s Services and the Department of Further Education, Employment and Science and Technology.  The delegation also visited a number of educational facilities that deliver skills training and qualifications through the VET in Schools program and in the private and public tertiary education sector. The assistance of the South Australian Government was greatly appreciated.

 

The final official visit was to the Barr Smith Library and the Hub Central at the University of Adelaide, North Terrace campus.  This facility offers a state-of-the-art learning space where students can meet, study and exchange ideas.

 

This successful study visit was appreciated by the Lao Minister, who is working towards significant reforms in the Lao education system in line with achievement of the millennium development goals. 

 

The Lao Minister’s visit was the result of an invitation extended by the former Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, during the East Asia Summit Education Ministers Meeting in July 2012.