VIENTIANE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The construction and renovation project of Meuangxay Secondary School in northern Laos, a supporting project of the 1,000-MW solar power project under the CGN Laos Northern Interconnection Clean Energy Base, was completed and officially handed over on Wednesday. After six months of construction, the school has a brand-new look.
For years, Meuangxay Secondary School faced aging facilities and difficult operating conditions. "The teaching equipment was damaged, and even the blackboards were old and cracked," said Chanpheng Panyasack, the school's principal, in an interview.
Beginning in mid-2025, the CGN project team adopted a dual approach of new construction and renovation to comprehensively upgrade the campus. A modern three-story teaching building now stands on the site, featuring more than 10 spacious, well-lit classrooms equipped with complete facilities.
Meanwhile, the original main teaching building underwent extensive refurbishment, including floor polishing, repainting, and the installation of new desks, chairs, fans, and lighting fixtures. The once-dilapidated structure has been transformed into a clean, bright, and fully functional learning space.
A 17-year-old student at the Meuangxay Secondary School said, "In the past, we didn't even have enough desks and chairs for everyone. Now we have a new teaching building, new furniture, and even a basketball court that can be used in all weather. The learning environment is much better, and students are more motivated to study."
A standout feature of the campus upgrade is the integration of the "photovoltaic+" concept. The roofs of the new buildings are entirely made of Chinese-manufactured photovoltaic glass and are equipped with energy storage systems, allowing the campus to generate electricity from solar power while lowering operating costs.
Officials noted that the design not only reduces electricity and other expenses but also introduces students to the principles of sustainable development, giving them the opportunity to learn about green energy in their everyday studies.
Jia Xianyu, chairman of CGN Laos Company, said the project is part of CGN's overseas education assistance initiative, the "Firefly Project." He added that it also embodies the principles of joint consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, while fostering the practical and in-depth development of China-Laos "heart-to-heart connectivity."
He emphasized that CGN will continue to leverage clean energy projects as a platform to expand education assistance and community cooperation, further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Laos.
Vice Governor of northern Laos' Oudomxay province, Souvath Mahavongsanan, highly praised the project and called on teachers and students to make full use of the upgraded learning environment while strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
After visiting the campus, he said, "This close cooperation not only supports Laos' energy transition but also strengthens the local industrial ecosystem, achieving mutual benefits and genuine win-win results for both countries."
The first phase of the CGN Laos photovoltaic project was put into operation last December. During its construction, the project created thousands of jobs for local residents, helping boost household incomes and supporting Laos in transforming its natural resource advantages into opportunities for both economic growth and green development. ■