ພາສາລາວ
We have the pleasure to share with you the latest newsletter of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program
The Lao Government has placed a high priority on improving its education sector and places education development as an important key in national socio-economic development to compete in the ASEAN economy and move to industrialization and modernity.
BEQUAL program was designed to support the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to address challenges in basic education in Lao PDR and is aligned to the National Education Sector Development Plan 2016-20. BEQUAL is a unique collaborative educational initiative between the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR, the Australian Government, the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and non-governmental organisations.
BEQUAL program supports the priorities of the Ministry of Education and Sports in primary curriculum development, teacher induction and training, and others. The implementation of the program is successful and the progress is very satisfactory. BEQUAL is aligned with and follows the priorities of the Education and Sports Sector Development Plan. On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Australian Government, the European Union, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their substantial support. I am committed to maximize the outcomes of the program and make your support sustainable.
Dr Bounpanh Xaymountry, Director General, Department of Planning, MoES.
As we all know, it takes a holistic approach to improve educational outcomes – learning and teaching materials, infrastructure, government financing, leadership and school management, and community engagement. But the most fundamental ingredient of learning is teachers. That is why we are pleased to support the Ministry of Education and Sports to improve teaching skills and pedagogy, including through the new curriculum.
Ms Katie Smith, First Secretary, the Australian Embassy in Lao PDR.
Quality of teachers is one of the most important factors contributing to education learning outcomes. We are glad to work in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports and Australia in supporting the professional development of teacher educators and training ethnic students to be deployed as teachers in rural villages.
Mr Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation, European Union in Lao PDR.
BEQUAL’s goal is that more girls and boys of primary school-age, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, achieve functional literacy and numeracy and acquire life skills which is closely aligned to the EDSP. This requires a revised curriculum, changes in teaching and a focus on monitoring these changes at the classroom level. We want to see teachers who have the skills and attitude to actively engage with and encourage children to learn and school administrations, communities and MoES at central, provincial and district level that provide the required support to teachers.
Mrs Sylvia Bitter, Team Leader, BEQUAL.
BEQUAL’s approach focuses on collaboration and partnership—with Governments and Ministries, at national, provincial, district and village level, with teachers and students, with partners and stakeholders. Through these pages, we look forward to sharing with you our stories and updates from all active partners from central to field level.