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
Labels: Laos
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