Ms Yasui Kiyoko receives the certificate of commendation from the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Kobayashi Kenichi.

Founder of Lao kids library gets Japanese Foreign Minister’s commendation

Ms Yasui Kiyoko received a certificate of commendation from Japan’s Foreign Minister, Mr Hayashi Yoshimasa, on October 6 for her role in setting up libraries for children in Laos and expanding their reading habits.
The certificate was was presented to Ms Yasui by Mr Kobayashi Kenichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Laos. She is a representative of the Fund for TARO’s Library Japan, a Japanese NGO.
Ms Yasui has established libraries for children in Xieng Khuang province and Vientiane. Her positive contributions have been critical to the success of reading and related activities that share the pleasure of books with the young people of Laos.
Lao kids who visit these libraries can become familiar with reading through story-telling supported by Ms Yasui and NGO staff. The children gain knowledge through reading and expand their imaginations. Books also prepare the younger generations to explore a wider world.
TARO’s Library Japan also conducts grassroots cultural exchanges that introduce aspects of Japanese culture to Lao children who visit almost every day.
Ms Yasui has been actively engaged in her NGO’s operations for about 20 years. She has been writing books about Laos’ diverse multiethnic cultures, including the oral folk tales of the Hmong people who have lived for long without their own written language.
Ms Yasui’s books in Japanese have contributed to the development of friendly relations, and promoted mutual understanding between Japanese and Lao people through the introduction of Laos’ unique history, culture and lifestyle to wider audiences.
The sight of Lao children folding “Origami” by themselves is impressive to Japanese visitors to the libraries.
The Embassy of Japan wished Ms Yasui all the best for her activities in Laos and said her sincere and committed efforts will continue to help all generations of Japan and Laos to deepen friendship.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 10, 2022)