Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University
From August 4 to August 27, 2026, I participated in a three and a half-week internship at PADECO. Co., Ltd. (currently Pacific Padeco International Co., Ltd.) in the Project for Strengthening Teacher Capacity to Improve Primary Mathematics Lessons (iTEAM2). iTEAM2 is a JICA technical cooperation project that aims to strengthen the practical implementation of the primary mathematics curriculum at Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) in Lao PDR. Its activities include developing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) materials for in-service teachers, training TTC teacher educators, strengthening TTC demonstration schools as model schools, and expanding CPD in the target areas.
First, I accompanied the project team to CPD orientations held in Xayaboury Province in northern Laos and Champasak Province in southern Laos. These orientations were led by the Provincial Education and Sports Services. Drawing on the experiences of districts where CPD had already been introduced, the Services explained CPD to newly participating District Education and Sports Bureaus and worked with them on implementation plans. I observed the orientations, took photographs, and interviewed local stakeholders. The provinces differed considerably in their budgets, the number of newly participating districts, and the attitudes of provincial officers. These differences showed me that even within the same project, the approach needs to be adjusted to each local context.
Second, based on my observations and interviews during these field trips, I prepared a report analyzing the current status of CPD and proposing improvements. I also wrote a public relations article and took part in video production. For the videos, I proposed the structure and worked with local staff to produce them. The videos included a slideshow of activity photos with English subtitles and Lao narration, as well as interview footage of teachers at TTC demonstration schools.
Through this internship, I learned firsthand that international cooperation projects depend on the division of roles and collaboration among many stakeholders, including JICA, development consultants, the Ministry of Education and Sports, provincial and district education offices, and teachers in schools. In particular, I learned a great deal from the experts’ attitude of listening to voices from the field that are difficult to capture in government documents and data alone, and of patiently continuing dialogue while understanding the circumstances and backgrounds of their counterparts. In addition, hearing from people involved in international cooperation in various positions gave me a valuable opportunity to reconsider in what capacity I myself would like to engage in development.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Nakao and Mr. Asamori of PADECO, JICA Expert Mr. Nagaoka, and all the members of iTEAM2 for kindly accepting me as an intern and for their careful guidance despite their busy schedules. I would also like to extend my deep appreciation to the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR, the Provincial Education and Sports Services, the District Education and Sports Bureaus, and the TTCs and their demonstration schools for giving me the opportunity to learn from them. Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to Professor Keiichi Ogawa for encouraging me to take part in this internship and for his continued guidance in my research. I will apply the knowledge and experience gained through this internship to my future research and career.
Authored by Risa Obata (Master’s student)
