Programs and Events 2007

Computer Vocational Training Begins at Drug Rehabilitation Center

Ambassador Haslach delivers her opening remarks in the presence of Col. Sihoun Sithileusay, Mr. Kou Chansina of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC) and Mr. Leik Boonwaat, Country Representative of UNODC.

Ambassador Haslach, Narcotics Affairs Section Chief Cliff Heinzer, UNODC Country Representative Leik Boonwaat, and  Singapore Deputy Chief of Mission Scott Loh Chee Heong, Observe Students using the newly donated Computers

A new computer training course for former ATS drug addicts opened on January 30 at the Somsanga Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center near Vientiane. U.S. Ambassador Patricia Haslach gave the opening remarks at a joint ceremony marking the first training course for some 20 students, both women and men. The 21 computers used in the teaching were donated by the U.S. Embassy, Embassy of Singapore, and the U.N. Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In addition to Ambassador Haslach, Mr. Scott Loh Chee Heong, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Embassy of Singapore, and Mr. Leik Boonwaat, Country Representative of UNODC, also spoke at the ceremony. Col. Sihoun Sithileusay, Chairman of the Vientiane Capital Drug Control and Supervision Committee and Dr. Sisouphan Boupha, Director of the Somsanga Center, received the computers and opened the training course on behalf of the Lao Government. The computers will be used to teach beginning typing, computer use of Lao and English language programs, and Excel spreadsheet work for advanced learners. The students will use these new skills to resume productive lives after their discharge from the Center. |Jan. 30, 2007|