(KPL) The resolution from the 10th Party Congress underscored the importance of advancing education reform, with a particular focus on developing human resources to meet regional and international standards.  

This directive serves as the foundation for the 5-Year Education and Sports Development Plan (2016–2020).

On November 21, Minister of Education and Sports Phut Simmalavong, presented a report to the National Assembly’s 8th Ordinary Session, outlining the implementation of the National Education System Reform Strategy and National Human Resource Development Strategy, as well as plans for future initiatives.

The implementation of phases 1 and 2 of the education reform strategy contributed to the development of the 8th Five-Year Education and Sports Development Plan (2016-2020). 

Key lessons learned from the National Education System Reform Strategy (2006-2015) were highlighted, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

A key objective is strengthening the basic and post-basic education systems to meet the socio-economic development needs, ensuring the policy of compulsory primary education, and expanding it to include lower secondary education. 

These efforts aim to improve workforce skills, knowledge, and quality, as well as to enhance the country’s ability to integrate and compete regionally and internationally.

The 5-year Education and Sports Development Plan (2016-2020) has achieved notable successes, including: Expansion of Early Childhood Education: The enrollment of 5-year-olds in early childhood education increased from 70.9% in the 2015-2016 school year to 82.7% in the 2019-2020 school year. 

Additionally, 142 out of 148 districts reported an enrollment rate of 5-year-old children exceeding 60%.

Primary School Enrollment: The enrollment rate for new primary school students in Grade 5 increased from 103.5% in 2015-2016 to 105.5% in 2019-2020.

Reduction in Grade Repetition: The grade repetition rate decreased from 4.8% in 2015-2016 to 3.1% in 2019-2020.

Improvement in Lower Secondary Enrollment: The enrollment rate for new lower secondary students (Matthayom 4) rose from 70.4% in 2015-2016 to 71.6% in 2019-2020.

 Decreased Dropout Rate: The dropout rate decreased from 4.7% in 2015-2016 to 4.3% in 2019-2020.

Upper Secondary Enrollment Growth: The overall enrollment rate for upper secondary students (Matthayom 7) increased from 42.7% in 2015-2016 to 54.8% in 2019-2020.

Gender Equality Progress: The gender equality index improved from 0.87% in the 2015-2016 school year to 0.91% in 2019-2020, according to the Lao Social Indicators Survey (LSIS).

In 2017, one-third of Lao people aged 15-30 were literate, with the illiteracy rate decreasing to 11% for males and 17% for females in the 15-17 age group. Significant progress was made in curriculum development, with new textbooks, teacher guides, and teaching aids introduced, along with regular teacher training in their use. A framework for assessing student learning outcomes was developed, and teacher training curricula were revised to align with the needs of pre-school, primary, and lower secondary education.

Student-centered and participatory teaching methods were adopted to better address diverse learner needs. Vocational education curricula were improved to align with socio-economic development goals, and new courses were introduced at the university level. Centers of excellence were established in fields such as agriculture, logistics, engineering, tourism, and environmental studies.

In addition, teachers received further education, with many upgrading their qualifications to master’s and doctoral degrees both domestically and internationally. 

School management funds were distributed to support school development, and scholarships were provided to students from ethnic minority groups, talented students, and those from low-income families, accounting for 40% of all new students.

KPL