LAO PDR Building NOSPA’s Capacity to Support NGPES Implementation

1.Share progress on the Capacity building component of the WB ’ s CAS 2.Agree on the next steps in implementing the proposed curriculum design support to the courses 3.Develop consensus on priorities for the design of a larger project for which we would seek donor support and which would also target NOSPA ’ s provincial branches AGENDA

1.Curriculum design 2.Pedagogical upgrading 3.Research 4.Modernizing of current training facilities. Four capabilities in particular would require attention: SUPPORTING CAPACITY BUILDING IN NOSPA

Component 1 : Curriculum Review Expected Outcomes: To build NOSPA’s capacity to review, update and design curriculum so that it strengthens the public sector’s ability to implement key key NGPES outcomes. Content basic micro and macro-economics public finance (including project analysis and financial management), trade theory and policy Gradually include other areas for review, such as project management, international law, development economic theory, international economics, company law, demography and population studies, and English as a second language. Activity Planning for NOSPA Support Program

Component 1 : Curriculum Review (Cont ’ d) Intervention Head of department would designate a focal point to select a team from the faculty twinning with local consultants. International consultant to devise a process, which would strengthen the capacity of NOSPA to: Assess the skills and knowledge gaps of clients, starting with key line Ministries for NGPES implementation (such as Finance, Trade and CPI) Translate results into priority learning outcomes for the courses Assemble and tailor new curriculum to address the gaps Target Audience Multiple audience Activity Planning for NOSPA Support Program

Component 2: Training of Trainers Expected Outcomes Lao language training toolkits in the three areas: Teaching techniques, case study writing and preparing exercises in selected subjects Content Interactive, hands-on, case based, participatory approaches to learning Target Audience (clarify delivery responsibilities to provinces) A core of NOSPA trainers needs to be selected who can also focus on curriculum and teaching improvement at the provincial level. These could include: NOSPA faculty at central and provincial branches Lecturers Short-term Consultants delivering courses Activity Planning for NOSPA Support Program

Component 2: Training of Trainers (Cont’d) Design and Delivery What are the design options? Stand-alone events, modules to be inserted in existing professional development activities (How long?) Have there been any similar activities in the past? What worked best? Language As ToT workshops will be conducted in English, what will be the most effective method of translation to Lao? Does NOSPA have the capacity to translate materials from English to Lao? Do they provide simultaneous interpretation to Lao for courses delivered in English? Internet Access In the short term, can faculty use the computer facilities at the JICA training center in Vientiane to access in online materials and apprentice on-line approaches? Activity Planning for NOSPA Support Program

Component 3: Strengthening Research Capabilities Interventions Adapt courses in data gathering, Monitoring and Evaluation, and poverty analysis to Lao-specific activities outcomes prioritized in the NGPES Partnership management and maintenance - WBI could facilitate a partnership with a foreign university to provide expertise and know-how to strengthen NOSPA ’ s research capabilities. Proposal writing training to raise externally or lobby domestically for funds for research Outcomes Assessing demand for and marketing NOSPA ’ s research capabilities across ministries, including data gathering, analysis and policy advice (students and faculty) Increased access to professional research and academic journals Greater contact with other research organizations both internationally and locally Activity Planning for NOSPA Support Program

Beginning with the Vientiane Branch and gradually extending to each of the provincial branches, the following would likely be needed: Modernizing the Library and Information Systems - Upgrading the Information Institute with modern facilities including an electronic library connected with all parts of the NOSPA and its branches Start the process using software and hardware to take advantage of new and existing materials on NGPES (toolkits, source books and online learning) English Language Facilities - Setting up an English language lab for teachers and students to improve their English skills Access to Computers - Equipping economics training and research with facilities such as computers, overheads, audio and video equipment, etc. This would also require access to the Internet, , and desk top publishing Database of publishing - Supplying economics references published in foreign languages (primarily English) such as books, newspapers, journals which will be kept in the Information Institute Videoconferencing Facilities- NOSPA needs a VC facility for DL courses as well as regular communication with partners Component 4: Modernizing NOSPA’s Training Facilities Activity Planning for NOSPA Support Program

NEXT STEPS WBI facilitates high level action-oriented experience sharing and learning events. A joint high level retreat could be organized with NOSPA for key policy makers to learn from experiences of officials in Vietnam and China in PRSP implementation Supporting NGPES implementation