Reunion in Laos with JICA Expert and JDS Graduates from the IDEC/IEDP Community

The International Education Development Program (IEDP) has continuously accepted students from Cambodia and Laos under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS). From 18 to 21 February 2026, Associate Professor Maki visited Laos to conduct on-site technical interviews with JDS candidates. In this occasion, we had an opportunity to reunite with Laotian JDS graduates.

During the visit, there was also a chance to meet over dinner with Mr. Nagaoka, JICA expert and a graduate of the former IDEC Educational Development Course. He currently serves as Education Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Education and Sports in Laos.

Over glasses of Laotian beer, we engaged in lively, late-night discussions on the educational challenges facing Laos, as well as the achievements and ongoing issues related to the Zambia Special Education Program. Witnessing firsthand how our graduates are actively contributing to educational development on the ground in Laos was both inspiring and deeply encouraging for our program.

Mr Nagaoka, JICA expert holding the recently published JICA Project History: ‘Pursuing International Cooperation through Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and Graduate School: The Journey of the Zambia Special Education Program’, and Associate Professor Maki

JDS修了生との写真 Photograph with JDS graduates

JDS関係者との集合写真 Group photograph with JDS relevant personnel