Experts from South Korea have introduced a $5 million project to upgrade the vocational training college for youngsters from ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands region. The project, funded by South Korean government, was also launched during a January 9 conference jointly held by the Dak Lak province People’s Committee and the Korean International Cooperation Agency. It will be carried out until 2015. Established in 1978, the college offers training in three levels. Currently, the college is hosting 1,852 students from 30 different ethnic minority groups in Central Highlands provinces. The college also gives training for vocational teachers for regional and neighboring localities. The Central Highlands covers the five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Lam Dong with a total area of 5.4 million hectares, home to 47 ethnic groups. According to the region’s master plan on socio-economic development, which was ratified by the Government on July 18, 2012, per capita income is expected to hit 24 million VND per year until 2020. The plan also defines that priorities will be given to the industry, farm and forestry product processing, mining and machinery sectors. (vietnamplus.vn Jan 9)
