ພາສາລາວ
19 script writers and editors from MoES, Australian Embassy representative and BEQUAL experts joined the workshop
Making learning accessible for students who speak a language other than Lao at home
Following the success of Spoken Lao lessons for grade one which was introduced nationwide in September 2024, the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR (MoES), with support from Australia through the BEQUAL program, have started developing Spoken Lao teaching and learning materials for Grade 2. On 24th November 2025, Mr. Outhit Thipmany, Deputy Director General officially opened the “Spoken Lao Grade 2 Introductory Session and Scoping Workshop”. The event brought together 19 script writers and editors from the Research Institute of Educational Sciences (RIES) and other MoES departments as well as technical experts from the Australian supported BEQUAL program.
Mr. Outhit Thipmany said “Since 2019, MoES and Australia have worked closely together to strengthen Lao language skills for students who start school not yet able to speak Lao. The Spoken Lao materials were thoroughly tested in several provinces before being rolled out nationally last year. The results were very positive. This new approach helps students who are not yet competent speakers of Lao language improve their Lao language communication skills in a fun and effective manner. This enables them to learn and participate in classroom activities. I am honoured to chair the workshop marking the launch of the Grade 2 development process and I would like to thank Australia for their continued support.”
“Spoken Lao is transforming the learning experience of thousands of children across urban, rural, remote, and disadvantaged areas,” emphasized Ms Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy. “Australia is proud to support this initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, as it promotes inclusive education and ensures that every child, regardless of their language background, has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and shine in school. Our shared goal is simple, no child should be left behind,” she added.
Spoken Lao lessons are specifically designed to help non-Lao speaking students develop their speaking and listening skills in Lao. Research shows that speaking and understanding a language first is key before children can learn to read and write well. By focusing only on oral skills, students can gain confidence without feeling pressured by reading or writing challenges. Building strong speaking and listening skills also makes learning to read and write easier because letters, words and sentences are meaningful to the students. The Spoken Lao lessons are aligned to the lessons in the Lao Language curriculum, so students learn the sounds, words, grammar and communication skills they need to take part in all their school subjects.
The workshop marks the start of the development of Spoken Lao lessons from Grade 2
Spoken Lao lessons for Grade one were introduced nationwide in September 2024
Mr. Outhit Thipmany added “This is crucial because students who struggle to understand the language risk falling behind or even dropping out. When children can’t follow what’s said in class, it’s easy for them to lose interest and stop coming to school. Spoken Lao gives these students a real chance to keep up and succeed.”
For 10 days, until December 5th, the curriculum writing, design and layout teams from RIES will dive into designing the Grade 2 Spoken Lao curriculum. They will explore what worked in Grade 1, identify areas to improve, and decide on the best ways to create effective materials. By the end, they will have a clear plan outlining the Grade 2 Spoken Lao lessons.
The workshop will be very hands-on and interactive. Members of the Grade 1 Spoken Lao team will demonstrate actual lessons, with participants taking on the role of non-Lao speaking Grade 1 students to experience the teaching approach firsthand. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience and reflect on a range of language learning methods and activities while further building their knowledge of international research and best practice.
The development process will follow the proven method from previous materials development, with BEQUAL experts providing technical support to the RIES curriculum team through a series of workshops covering planning, writing, trialling, revising, and designing the materials. The new Grade 2 Spoken Lao resources are planned to be ready for nationwide rollout in the 2027-2028 school year. Australia will continue to provide technical and financial support to the development of the materials, while MoES will seek support from the national budget or development partners for printing and distribution.
Mr. Outhit Thipmany highlighted “Laos is a richly diverse country, with over 50 languages spoken. Many children in rural and remote areas speak a different language than Lao at home. Expanding Spoken Lao to grade two aligns with RIES’s five-year Strategic Development Plan to ensure that non-Lao speaking children receive continued language support as they progress through their early education.”
BEQUAL is a program led by the Lao Government with support from the Australian Government and the United States Government. The program focuses on enhancing educational outcomes for the nation’s youth, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged. BEQUAL is focused on ensuring gender equality and promoting inclusive education across all activities.
Spoken Lao lessons are specifically designed to help non-Lao speaking students develop their speaking and listening skills in Lao
