ພາສາລາວ
Delegation presents learning materials and sports kits to students
The delegation meets local education leaders and teaching teams to explore school based continuing professional development (CPD) activities and Spoken Lao lessons in action
A high-level delegation led by Dr. Daravone Kittiphanh, Vice‑Minister of Education and Sports of Lao PDR, and Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Ambassador, Australian Embassy visited Xiangkhouang province from 10th to 12th December to review the progress of efforts to improve teaching quality and promote inclusive classroom practices. The visit showcased the school‑based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system and the new Grade 1 Spoken Lao approach being implemented with the support of Australia through the BEQUAL program. The delegation observed how these two important initiatives are beginning to change teaching and learning across the country.
The delegation began with a briefing from Khangkhai Teacher Training College (TTC) and Xiangkhouang Provincial Education and Sports Services (PESS) leadership and pedagogical support staff on the CPD system’s design and implementation approach. The discussions focused on system performance, sustainability and the policy actions required to institutionalise the system nationwide.
The delegation then visited two primary schools to meet District Education and Sports Bureau (DESB) staff, Internal Pedagogical Support (IPS) providers, school principals and teachers. There, they explored how the CPD system supports improved teaching practice and student engagement in learning. Conversations with teachers and pedagogical support providers confirmed that practical, regular support for teachers through coaching, mentoring and structured professional development activities, is strengthening day‑to‑day teaching.
“Strong teacher support systems are essential to sustain improvements in learning,” Dr. Daravone Kittiphanh said. “By investing in an organised, school‑based CPD system and building capacity at sub-national level, we ensure teachers receive regular mentoring and practical guidance. When teachers are supported, they become more confident and effective in their teaching. Students benefit, especially those in remote areas or from non-Lao language speaking backgrounds.”
“Better trained teachers can respond to the diverse learning needs of all children.” Ms. Benita Sommerville added “Australia is proud to partner with MoES through BEQUAL to help establish a nationwide system that enables teachers to continue learning and growing in their profession. The progress we saw in Xiangkhouang today shows this approach delivers real benefits and is a worthwhile investment for the future of Lao PDR.”
Deputy Ambassador of Australia and Vice Minister of Education of Laos are warmly welcomed at a primary school in Xiangkhouang
Students performed a traditional Lao dance to welcome the delegation
During the school visits, the delegation observed how school-level IPS providers, in collaboration with TTCs and DESB, offer regular, practical and tailored CPD support to teachers. IPS for teachers takes place through a number of different approaches including classroom observations, formal and informal discussions, co-teaching, remote check‑ins and WhatsApp messaging, often using resources such as Teacher Support Pack modules and Teacher Development Videos for technical content and advice. Support is adapted to each teacher’s needs, from lesson planning to use of materials and classroom delivery, so teachers can apply new skills immediately. Better quality teaching leads directly to improved learning outcomes for students.
Ms. Sommerville observed “Gender equality, disability equity and rights, and social inclusion were central themes to our visit. We welcomed the strong representation of women among pedagogical support providers. Empowering female educators is helping to create more responsive and inclusive learning environments.”
The delegation also observed a Grade 1 Spoken Lao lesson and saw how the approach supports early oral language development necessary to develop literacy skills and fully participate in the classroom. Introduced nationally in September 2024 after positive results from pilot testing, Spoken Lao lessons help children who start school speaking a home language other than Lao to engage in lessons and access the curriculum.
Dr. Daravone said “MoES and Australia have worked closely together to strengthen Lao language skills for students who start school not yet able to speak Lao. Spoken Lao was thoroughly trialled in several provinces before its national roll out starting in 2024-25. Based on the success of Grade 1 implementation, MoES is now developing Grade 2 lessons with Australian Government support. Today’s classroom observation showed Spoken Lao helping children communicate, engage and learn in ways that are both enjoyable and effective.”
Vice Minister of Education and Deputy Ambassador of Australia observe a Spoken Lao lesson supporting ethnic students
Discussion with educators on supporting teacher CPD at school level
“Spoken Lao shows how a well tested pilot can become a nationwide approach for inclusive education,” Ms. Sommerville said. “We are proud to support this work with MoES. By narrowing early language learning gaps, the method helps ensure every child, regardless of language background, can learn and thrive. Our shared aim is clear: no child should be left behind.”
The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment between the Governments of Lao PDR and Australia to sustain investments in teacher development and inclusive classroom approaches. Both governments agree that evidence of growing teacher capacity and the resulting classroom change make a strong case for continued support. Dr. Daravone and Ms. Sommerville jointly concluded that education is an investment with significant returns that benefit children, communities and the nation.
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.
