The implementation of the new improved National Primary curriculum is scheduled to commence in the 2019/2020 school-year with Grade 1. It will represent a major change especially in its pedagogical approach

The purpose of the Committee for Approval of Curriculum and Instructional Materials was to review and consider for approval the new Grade 1 textbooks and teacher guides that will be distributed to all primary schools in Lao PDR for the new 2019/2020 school-year

Held in Vientiane on 11th December 2018, the BEQUAL Steering Committee was co-chaired by H.E. Mme Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun – Minister of Education and Sports, H.E. Mr Jean-Bernard Carrasco – Australian Ambassador to Lao PDR and H.E. Mr Leo Faber – European Union Ambassador to Lao PDR. High-level representatives from the relevant Ministry of Education line departments, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Provincial Governor’s Offices and Provincial Education and Sports Services as well as development partners attended the meeting

In-service teacher training is a critical part of equipping teachers to be able to implement the new revised primary curriculum effectively. The aim of the training is to provide teachers with the relevant skills and techniques needed to effectively use the new primary curriculum materials in the classroom to improve student learning

Many young Lao girls do not attend school due to their family’s financial status, and distance from school. Culturally, some families believe girls should stay at home to do housework and raise their younger siblings. Some parents do not understand the importance of education

Many people in my village speak only their ethnic language and can’t understand Lao. This could become really challenging when they need to communicate with people outside our community. When they are sick, they need to find someone speaking Lao to go to the hospital and help with translation. This is one of the many examples why we should encourage and support our children to study Lao language and learn to become independent

Every child has the right to education. However, children with disabilities form a significant proportion of the out-of-school population in developing countries. Very often, their abilities are overlooked, their capacities are underestimated and their needs are given low priority. Yet, the barriers they face are more frequently a result of the environment in which they live than a result of their impairment

One of the very first recipients of the BEQUAL Education Innovation Fund is Clay House Studio, a local Lao film making and animation company

For his very first visit outside Vientiane, the new Australian Ambassador, Jean-Bernard Carrasco, chose Savannakhet Province and was delighted to see first hand how the BEQUAL program was helping disadvantaged children access education