(KPL) The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) of the Lao PDR and the Government of Australia have marked the 10th  anniversary of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Laos (BEQUAL) program, celebrating a decade of impactful collaboration aimed at strengthening the country’s education system and expanding access to quality primary education.

The high-level event was held on 26 May in Vientiane and co-chaired by Minister of Education and Sports Phout Simmalavong, and the Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR Megan Jones. Senior representatives from MoES departments, Provincial Education and Sports Services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Teacher Training Colleges, and key development partners in education, science, and sports attended the event.

Ambassador Jones highlighted the significance of the long-standing partnership in her opening remarks: “This milestone is part of a much longer journey—nearly 30 years of Australia’s support for education in the Lao PDR. It demonstrates our belief in the power of education to transform lives, and our strong partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports to make education more accessible, inclusive, and of higher quality for all girls and boys.”

Minister Simmalavong underscored the importance of the collaboration:“Our partnership with Australia has played a crucial role in transforming primary education in Laos. Education is the foundation of a strong society, and Australia has been a key partner in helping build an inclusive, equitable, and effective education system—one that ensures all children, regardless of their background, gender, or location, can access quality learning opportunities and a brighter future.”

Launched in 2015, BEQUAL is an Australian Government initiative designed to improve both the quality of and access to primary education, particularly for children in rural and disadvantaged communities. One of its landmark achievements is the comprehensive revision of the national primary curriculum led by MoES. The new curriculum promotes a modern, child-centered teaching approach that encourages active learning, collaboration, and real-world application of knowledge.

Thanks to BEQUAL, teachers are now equipped with innovative and interactive teaching methodologies that create more engaging classroom environments. These reforms are closely aligned with Lao culture and context, fostering a more inclusive and future-ready education system.

Ambassador Jones pointed to the curriculum reform as a symbol of deep trust and effective cooperation:“The revision of the national curriculum reflects the Lao Government’s confidence in Australia as a long-term partner. Our achievements through BEQUAL are a testament to the strength of this partnership and our shared commitment to Laos’ human and economic development.”

Minister Simmalavong also emphasized the program’s positive impact on the teaching profession:  “The training and professional development provided to teachers through BEQUAL have made a real difference. We’ve seen educators become more confident and effective in the classroom, benefiting students and their communities.”

Over the past decade, BEQUAL has helped the Lao Government make significant strides in inclusive education. A standout achievement is the introduction of the Spoken Lao Program, which supports non-Lao speaking children in ethnic communities. This initiative, backed by high-quality training and resources, became national policy in 2024.

Looking to the future, Minister Simmalavong acknowledged the challenges that remain: “The education landscape is constantly evolving. Teacher shortages, rising enrollment, and reducing dropout rates are ongoing concerns. Continued support from Australia and other development partners will be essential to delivering quality education for all children.”

Ambassador Jones reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing commitment:“Teacher shortages and student retention are critical issues. By continuing to invest in teacher development and education quality, we can help build a more resilient and responsive education system.”

As BEQUAL celebrates its 10th anniversary, the partnership between Australia and the Ministry of Education and Sports remains strong and forward-looking. The program stands as a testament to what sustained international cooperation can achieve, offering every child in the Lao PDR the opportunity to thrive through quality education.

KPL