From skills to growth: Improving a family business in a changing economy

© ILO

© ILO

PAKSE, Lao People's Democratic Republic (ILO News) - When 20-year-old Xaysana Siliphokha finished high school in Chatsan village in southern Lao People's Democratic Republic, his future lay in helping his father run the small document-copying and photo service shop in Pakse District, Champasak Province.

As the only son, Siliphokha felt a strong responsibility to support the family business. But he also saw its limits. The shop’s services were basic and income was modest. To help his parents and secure a better livelihood, Siliphokha knew he needed new skills, especially in information and communication technology (ICT).

That opportunity appeared unexpectedly in May 2022, while scrolling through social media.

“I saw a Facebook post and received information from the village office that the Champasak Provincial Skill Development Center would be offering an ICT course. This course was fully funded by the ILO-China Project, specifically for recent graduates, migrant workers and youth job seekers. I was very interested,” said Siliphokha.

He enrolled in the three-month course, committing himself to training while continuing to help at the shop. The programme focused on practical, job-ready skills, including typing documents, using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as occupational safety and health.

For Siliphokha the training was transformative.

He immediately put his new knowledge to work - not only for himself, but for his family. Siliphokha shared what he had learned with his father, helping modernize the small business, introducing improved document typing, designing pictures and taking photos.

The results were tangible. Customers began returning more often, word spread within the community, and business steadily grew.

Siliphokha’s story underscores how access to training and opportunity can change the trajectory of a young life, and in this case, an entire household.

The success also reflects a collaborative effort between the ILO-China Partnership Programme and local authorities to equip young people and workers with practical skills suited to a changing economy.

Funded by the Government of China, the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Strengthening Skills Development in Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Myanmar through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) links vocational training to labour market needs. It also focuses on developing skills qualification, competences standards and curriculum. Additionally, the initiative promotes knowledge sharing on skills development, public employment services and greening jobs through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.