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　In December 2005, the Lao People's Democratic Republic celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding.　At　present, the　security situation is comparatively calm, but politically, socialism with one-party rule by the People's Revolutionary Party is still holding power. As symbolized by the rapid increase of vehicles and motorbikes, a consumer society is rapidly growing in Vientiane and along with it, is a commensurate increase in street children and beggars. The economic disparity between the capital city and the farming villages is becoming conspicuous.
We have been undertaking the administration of the public library and network support activities as our main work, and we will carry out collaborative projects in the field that other organizations are unable to do.

LIBRARY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
　From 2005, we operated the mobile library project on a regular basis. The project provides reading opportunities not only for the students of primary and middle schools but also for the people in rehabilitation centers for drug addicts, nursing facilities, and vocational schools for handicapped persons. Participants at the mobile library activities reached 20,216 in one year. We distributed 90 book-boxes to 60 primary schools of 3 districts in Luang Prabang province. At the public libraries in Savannaket and Luang Prabang provinces, the number of visitors and books lent out is continuously increasing. "Diffusing Activities of Book Reading through Support to Public Libraries", a JICA grassroots partner project, has commenced at the above two libraries with their construction, and at the two public libraries in Champassack and Xienghouang.
　In 2006, we will participate in the construction of Vientiane Municipal Library and multi-purpose hall (Ishida Memorial Hall) in a joint operation with JICHIRO and EFA Japan, as well as a Public Library for Vientiane province (a JICA grassroots project). We will also carry out the construction of model kindergarten attached to the Dongkhamxang teacher training school in co-operation with Ibaragi Asia Education Fund.

CHILDREN'S HOUSE ACTIVITIES:
　In 2005, an average of 600 children (800 during summer vacation) visited the house every week and the activities are being carried out briskly despite the limited budget. The Children's Cultural Center, which is modeled after the Children's House, has increased to 21 centers throughout the country.
　In 2006, we will facilitate the autonomy of the Children's Cultural Center in Vientiane, which is acting as the counterpart of Children's House activities.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND JOINT EDUCATIONAL REFORM ACTIVITIES:

In 2005, we supported the construction of 3 primary school buildings, which has made it possible for 806 pupils to study in new and safe schools. For the teachers of 17 primary schools in the Thabok cluster school area and Ban Thouay cluster school area of Bolikhamsai province, we have conducted training courses on child-focused teaching and the making of teaching materials. Also, we have carried out at the above two cluster school areas, training courses on library activities and conferences for annual evaluations, including meetings of parents' associations. Villagers' understand- ing of and support for the education of their children has increased significantly. 　For 2006, we will continue the comprehensive educational support activities in Bolikhamsai and Salavan provinces, such as school construction, training for the teachers, library activities and revitalization of parents' associations. We also plan to construct 4 primary school buildings and 3 resources centers (school reading rooms) and carry out library activities in the above two provinces.

TEACHING MATERIALS FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROJECT:
　The project, which started in 1992, has completed all its planned work and transferred the manufacturing facilities for　teaching materials in Vientiane and transportation trucks to the Ministry of Education of the Laotian government. During the 13 years of the project period, 8,360 mimeograph printers, 81,200 alphabet tables of Laotian language and 16,440 maps of Laos were produced and distributed to primary schools all over the country.

INTERNATIONAL INTERCHANGE ACTIVITIES AND SEMINARS:
　In 2005, at the Child Book Supporters Osaka Event held in July, we conducted mutual cultural exchange with the library staff from Thailand, Cambodia and Afghanistan. Also, the co-ordinator of SVA Thailand office visited the Laos office for mutual discussions with our staff. In 2006, we plan to carry on exchanging opinions and suggestions on the quality and development of our activities.