Ms Kobayashi Miyako (right) and Dr Daravone Kittiphanh display signed Record of Discussions in support of an education project.

Laos, JICA launch new project to strengthen maths education

A new four-year project will support stronger mathematics teaching and better learning outcomes for primary school students in Laos, while helping schools transition from the current 5-4-3 school year system to a 6-3-3 structure.
The Ministry of Education and Sports and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Thursday signed a Record of Discussions for the Project for Strengthening Teaching Capacity and Learning for Primary Mathematics Education (iTEAM3).
The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Dr Daravone Kittiphanh, and Chief Representative of the JICA Laos Office, Ms Kobayashi Miyako, in the presence of directors general, deputy directors general and representatives from relevant departments of the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Scheduled to begin in early 2027, the project is aligned with the priorities of the Education, Science and Sports Sector Development Plan for 2026-2030, particularly improving student learning outcomes, strengthening teacher capacity and enhancing Continuous Professional Development.
The project will support the revision of mathematics textbooks and teacher guides, as well as training and school-based Continuous Professional Development throughout Laos.
Ms Kobayashi said education is the foundation of Laos’ future and that the shared goal of iTEAM3 is better teaching and better learning for every child.
She highlighted the importance of partnership under the strong ownership and leadership of the Ministry of Education and Sports, noting JICA’s commitment to working with other development partners to reach and benefit as many children as possible across Laos.
Dr Daravone highlighted the importance of strengthening mathematics education at the primary level, noting the benefits that iTEAM1 and iTEAM2 had brought to Lao teachers and students.
She said the 2024 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics assessment showed improved mathematics performance among Grade 5 students compared with 2019, while challenges remained in foundational mathematics skills, teacher capacity, and the effective use of teaching materials.
Dr Daravone expressed confidence that iTEAM3 would help improve the quality of primary education and mathematics learning outcomes, while thanking the Government of Japan and JICA for their longstanding technical and financial support to Lao education.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update September 11, 2026)