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Australia extends support for basic education in Laos

The Australian government has extended support for the Basic Education Quality and Access in Laos programme (BEQUAL) Phase 2, with funding of AUD 28 million to be provided over four years from 2022-2026.

The delegation observes the new pedagogical approach in Grade 1 to 4 classrooms after the launch of the BEQUAL programme Phase 2.

Australia and Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports announced the official launch of the BEQUAL Programme Phase 2 in Vientiane on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dr Sisouk Vongvichit said Laos and Australia share a mutual interest in ensuring that all young children, especially those experiencing disadvantage, receive quality primary education.
Since 2015, Australia has been supporting the Ministry of Education and Sports, through the first phase of BEQUAL, with the development and nationwide implementation of the new primary school curriculum, and the design and implementation of teacher training and professional development activities.
The Ambassador of Australia to Laos, Paul Kelly, congratulated the Ministry of Education and Sports, particularly the primary school teachers who have worked so hard on the BEQUAL programme.
“Phase 1 of this programme 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,” he said.
“It has been an enormous achievement, and a wonderful example of collaboration across so many levels of government,” the ambassador added.
BEQUAL Phase 2 will finalise the implementation of the new primary school curriculum by completing the development and implementation of Grade 5 in the school year 2023-2024.
The programme will also continue the development of the Spoken Lao Programme 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.
Dr Sisouk Vongvichit said “Quality teaching is a vital part of improving learning outcomes for all children in Laos.”
“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 in their district and province and teacher training colleges throughout the school year as they navigate the curriculum and encounter teaching challenges.
Ambassador Kelly said “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.”

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 18, 2022)

   

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