From University to university

Experiences from a mid-term evaluation in Laos

Project LAO/023 ”Strengthening the Rule of Law through Legal University Education” concentrates on building capacity among students and within the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) at the National University of Laos. Not only is the legal knowledge among Faculty members improved, teaching methodology and administrative systems are also being addressed to establish a modern institution that can produce skilled lawyers. Furthermore several other facilities are being improved through building of new dormitories, the renovation of classrooms and the construction of a ”learning building”. The improved infrastructure will reinforce capacity building and help fostering a stronger element of independent learning.

The project has been operating since 2010 and was subject to a mid-term evaluation in early September 2013. The evaluation team was lead by Mr Christophe Mazand from PWC and further included the Dean Professor Stefan Braum and the External Affairs Coordinator Ms Anne Marie Vesdravanis from the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance of the University of Luxembourg. There are many advantages to further involve the University of Luxembourg in the cooperation. It is also a young University that has undergone a rapid expansion with a strong focus on assuring high academic quality. With staff and students coming from various countries, the Luxembourg Faculty becomes a unique experience by bringing together different legal traditions and concepts within courses and research projects.

In September 2013, the Luxembourg Faculty was introduced to the great progress that had been achieved by the Lao counterparts since the beginning of the LAO/023 project. At the same time, the challenges that lie ahead will put to the test all the new skills and expertise which the Lao Faculty has developed so far. “The visit to the Faculty of Law and Political Science was a remarkable experience” said Dean Braum. “I find that as in many universities around the world we share a number of concerns, e.g. prepare well-trained graduates addressing the job market needs, maintain a quality culture in teaching and administration, encourage meaningful student activity, give back to the local community, etc. The Faculty has many reasons to be proud of its achievements but more is to be done by all stakeholders in order to strengthen the rule of law in Laos PDR” concluded the Dean.  

In particular, the Strategic Plan 2011-2020 that has been adopted by the Lao Faculty of Law and Political Science will certainly serve as a roadmap for the years ahead. At the same time, it would be valuable for the FLP to consolidate its goals and draw concrete action plans for shorter bi-annual terms. Furthermore, the goal to enter the ASEAN University Network will not only assist the Faculty in deepening both its institutional and academic growth, but will also act as a benchmark for the future, while connecting Laos to a valuable, regional network. Moreover, the 2020 goal to reach a 3-6-1 ratio of PhD-Master-Bachelor level among the Faculty’s teaching staff will have a significant impact towards a quality assurance culture. There is clear evidence that the on-going scholarship programme, which assists teaching staff to improve their level of studies, has enhanced the academic capacity leading to a direct improvement in the quality of teaching. Finally, the development of various student activities, including the impressive work undertaken by the clinical legal education group, strengthen the capacity of students and at the same time have a positive impact on the image of the Faculty vis-à-vis its stakeholders.

It goes without saying that the FLP will continue to face constraints from various external factors, e.g. government priorities towards vocational training, limited access to law and justice, mitigated recognition of the legal profession, research priorities not linked to the Faculty and poorly remunerated teachers. However, the improved structures in place will guide the Faculty in navigating through the obstacles and continue progressing in its goal of becoming “A Centre of Excellence.”

Anne Marie Vesdrevanis, Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance of the University of Luxembourg