Assoc. Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong and representatives of the EU and UNICEF hand over tablets and other educational equipment donated by the EU to Thong Kang Secondary School in Vientiane.

Laos, EU, UNICEF celebrate digital education milestone

A momentous celebration took place at a Vientiane school this week as the European Union, Lao government, and UNICEF marked the remarkable achievements of the digital learning platform, Khang Panya Lao.
The event underscored the successful collaboration that has significantly advanced educational outcomes in Laos.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education and Sports, Assoc. Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mrs Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Ambassador to Laos, Ms Ina Marčiulionytė, and the UNICEF Representative to Laos, Dr Pia Rebello Britto.
Launched in 2021 to counteract the educational disruptions caused by COVID-19, Khang Panya Lao now boasts over 140,000 users. Supported by the EU and part of UNICEF’s Learning Passport programme, the platform ensures uninterrupted learning from pre-primary to Grade 12, fostering digital literacy.
The Learning Passport, recognised as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2021 and a finalist for Education and Developing-World Technology in Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards, has demonstrated its potential as a scalable solution to the global challenge of educational continuity and quality improvement, as well as skills development.
Minister Phout Simmalavong emphasised the platform’s crucial role in closing the digital gap, ensuring equitable access to quality education for every child in Laos.
“Khang Panya Lao is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to quality education. We are grateful for the support of our partners in making this vision a reality,” he said.
Dr Rebello Britto reiterated UNICEF’s dedication to nurturing educational innovations that yield robust learning outcomes. The success of Khang Panya Lao exemplifies the synergy of partnership and technology in enhancing education from early childhood to secondary levels.
“The success of Khang Panya Lao is a clear indication of the power of partnership and technology in leveraging the science of learning from pre-primary to secondary school to enhance educational outcomes,” she said.
Commissioner Urpilainen handed over tablets to the school, symbolising the transformative power of digital tools in education. She lauded Khang Panya Lao as a prime example of how innovation can overcome educational challenges, aligning with the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy.
The EU Gateway is a new strategy of the EU that was initiated in 2021. It stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet.
The visit not only celebrated the collective progress in digital education but also sets an optimistic course for future learning innovations, equipping the next generation with essential skills for a digital era.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 19, 2024)