Over 100 participants, including government representatives, teachers, and students, united in promoting safe and inclusive education

(KPL)The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) celebrated International Children’s Day with a special event focused on promoting child protection in education. Held at the Research Institute for Educational Sciences (RIES), the ceremony was supported by the Australian Government through the Basic Education Quality and Access in the Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program.

The event was officially opened by Mr. Souphap Khounvixay, Deputy Head of the Permanent Secretary Office of MoES, and brought together over 100 participants. Attendees included representatives from MoES departments, the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, as well as teachers and students from both primary and secondary schools.

Mr. Souphap Khounvixay, Deputy Head of the Permanent Secretary Office of MoES, delivers a compelling speech on the importance of child protection

Organized by the Division for the Advancement of Women (MDAW) under the supervision of the MoES Cabinet, the event was held under the theme “Empowering Every Child: Equal Rights, Safe Futures.”

The ceremony began with a broadcast message from the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, emphasizing the government’s commitment to child rights. The Prime Minister highlighted a significant legal milestone: the complete ban on corporal punishment, which was adopted on April 30, 2024.

This amendment to the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children positions Laos as the 66th country in the world—and the first in ASEAN—to ban corporal punishment in all settings, including schools and homes.

MDAW reinforced the importance of this development through the Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance for Educators, launched in July 2024 with support from the Government of Australia. Now disseminated nationwide, the guidance serves as a crucial tool in helping educators create safe and inclusive learning environments.

Students learn how 3D printing technology transforms recycled plastic into useful objects, demonstrating innovation and sustainability in action

“Child protection and safeguarding is a shared priority of the Government of the Lao PDR and the Government of Australia,” said Mr. Souphap. “Teachers play a vital role in protecting children by being proactive, supportive, and informed. When students feel safe, they thrive. These guidelines help educators understand their responsibilities and provide access to referral services and reporting mechanisms.”

Engineering lab staff showcase intricate paper-cut creations, engaging primary students with the creative side of design and technology

As part of the event, five master trainers from MDAW’s Gender Training Team facilitated interactive awareness-raising sessions with teachers and students. These sessions addressed practical aspects of child protection in schools, including respectful communication, responsible use of electronic media, and positive behavior management. Participants explored appropriate and inappropriate behaviors relating to child protection, including issues of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and the responsible use of media, as well as substance abuse. Activities included games, role-playing, and discussions to encourage active participation.

In the afternoon, students visited the Faculty of Engineering to learn about opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The visit aimed to inspire both girls and boys, with special emphasis on encouraging girls to consider careers in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented globally.

Closing the event, Mr. Souphap delivered a strong call to action for educators: “Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We hope this safeguarding guidance continues to be widely used by teachers and others working with children to build safe and inclusive schools. MoES will continue working closely with its departments and the Australia-supported BEQUAL program to ensure these principles are embedded throughout the education system.”

KPL