Australia and Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR announced the official launch of the BEQUAL Program Phase 2

H.E. Paul Kelly, Ambassador of Australia to Lao PDR congratulated the Ministry of Education and Sports, particularly the primary school teachers who have worked so hard on the BEQUAL program and said “Phase 1 of this program has encompassed the development of the new, student-centred national primary curriculum, the development of accompanying teaching and learning materials, and the training of teachers nationwide on this new curriculum, with its focus on engaging students through activities, hands on experience and practical application. It has been an enormous achievement, and a wonderful example of collaboration across so many levels of government.”

BEQUAL Phase 2 will finalise the implementation of the new primary curriculum by completing the development and implementation of Grade 5 in school year 2023-2024. The program will also continue the development of the Spoken Lao Program to support non-Lao speaking students in remote primary schools. BEQUAL Phase 2 will gradually shift its main focus to providing teacher professional development and training. Phase 2 will also focus on ensuring gender and disability inclusive education approaches.

H.E. Dr Sisouk Vongvichit said: “Quality teaching is a vital part of improving learning outcomes for all children in Lao PDR. I encourage teachers to engage in continuous professional development activities throughout the school year to develop their confidence and teaching skills to use the curriculum effectively. All teachers will require ongoing support from their principals and education staff from the district, province, and teacher training colleges throughout the school year as they navigate the curriculum and encounter teaching challenges.”

Following the gong ceremony announcing the official launch of the Phase 2 of BEQUAL, H.E. Dr Sisouk Vongvichit and guests visited several displays prepared by the Research Institute for Educational Sciences and the Department of Teacher Education showcasing the educational and teacher training resources created to support the new curriculum during the first phase of the BEQUAL program.

Then the delegation was invited to observe Grade 1 to 4 classrooms being taught Lao Language, Sciences and Environment, and English subjects. Following the new pedagogical approach, the young students were actively participating in the class, collaborating with each other, engaging with the learning materials, and learning through experimentation.

H.E. Paul Kelly concluded that “Education changes lives. Education contributes to stronger communities and greater prosperity. That is why we are committed to good quality primary education for all Lao children, no matter their circumstances, no matter their gender.”