(KPL) Vice-Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Sisouk Vongvichith, and Ambassador of Australia to the Lao PDR, Mr Paul Kelly announced the official launch of the Basic Education Quality and Access in the Lao PDR Program (BEQUAL) Phase 2 on 16 November 2022 in Vientiane.

The Ministry of Education and Sports, with the support of the Australian Government, will shift the focus to teacher professional development during the BEQUAL Phase 2 of BEQUAL, including a key focus on inclusive education. This focus on inclusive education is vital for ensuring that all children, including those experiencing disadvantage, are able to successfully learn and develop during their years of primary education.

“The Lao PDR and Australia share a mutual interest in ensuring all young children, especially those experiencing disadvantage, receive quality primary education,” said Vice-Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Sisouk Vongvichith.

“Since 2015, Australia has been supporting the Ministry of Education and sports, through the Phase 1 of BEQUAL program, with the development and nationwide implementation of the new primary curriculum and the design and implementation of teacher training and professional development activities.  The new primary curriculum and improvements in the quality of primary teaching are top priorities of the 9th ESSDP 2021-2025,” she said.

“I would like to thank the other partners who joined the Australian Government to support the Ministry during the Phase 1 of BEQUAL, the European Union and the United States Government,” she added.

“Australia is proud to continue the partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports for the second phase of the BEQUAL program, to ensure all young Lao children regardless of their circumstances and their gender receive a quality primary education,” said Australia Ambassador Paul Kelly.

“Australia’s support for BEQUAL Phase 2 will amount to AUD 28 million over four years – from 2022 through to 2026. Phase 2 will focus on modernising the national primary curriculum and teacher professional development including building gender and disability-inclusive education,” he explained.

“Australia has committed to supporting the government of Lao PDR to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. We believe that Education changes lives and contributes to stronger communities and greater prosperity,” Ambassador added.

KPL