Ms. Khampat Xayalinkham Deputy Director of Teacher Education Department opened the Training of Trainers workshop

(KPL)Throughout October 2025, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from the Australian Government through the Basic Education Quality and Access in the Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program, is delivering a series of workshops on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Management for District Education and Sports Bureau (DESB) staff.

Ms. Khampat Xayalinkham, Deputy Director General of the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), stated: "These workshops are part of a broader capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping DESB staff with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan and manage teacher CPD in their districts. This training builds on and reinforces previous technical inputs delivered with the support of Australia through the BEQUAL program."

Participants from the Training of Trainers DESB CPD management workshop 

Ms. Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy, added:"Australia is working closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports in Lao PDR to strengthen the teacher CPD system and enhance the support available to teachers. Given the current teacher shortages, this assistance is crucial to maintaining teacher motivation and improving teaching quality. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to better learning outcomes for students."

The first training session highlights the importance of inclusive education

More than 380 participants from 30 targeted DESBs across seven provinces — Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Houaphan, Xiangkhouang, Khammouane, and Savannakhet — will participate in one of thirteen workshop groups. Key participants include directors, deputy directors, pedagogical support staff, and monitoring and evaluation staff from each DESB. The workshops are led by the DTE, with facilitators drawn from the seven Provincial Education and Sports Services and the three targeted Teacher Training Colleges: Luang Namtha, Khang Khai, and Savannakhet.

Each five-day workshop covers a range of topics designed to strengthen the DESBs' capacity to plan and manage CPD activities effectively. Participants learn how to use monitoring data to identify teacher support needs and address them through targeted CPD planning. The workshops also explore strategies for supporting school principals in creating an enabling environment that encourages teachers to engage in professional development. Additionally, discussions are held on how gender, age, and hierarchical dynamics within schools affect motivation and participation in CPD.

Trainers from PESS, TTC and DESB of the target provinces will cascade down their training in their location throughout October 1

Ms. Khampat further explained:"Several sessions will focus on gender, inclusive education, and child protection. The goal is to enhance DESB staff’s understanding of inclusive education and its significance in Lao PDR's primary schools. Participants will also learn about child protection and how it relates to inclusive education. They will clarify the roles and responsibilities of both DESB and school-level staff in implementing inclusive practices. By the end of the training, each district will develop an action plan outlining practical steps that leadership and technical teams can take to ensure safe and inclusive teaching and learning environments."

Ms. Vanessa concluded:"I am very pleased to see a strong focus on inclusive education and child protection in these workshops. Teachers play a critical role in safeguarding all students, especially those who are disadvantaged. Ensuring that DESB staff who support teachers have the tools and skills to promote and implement child protection and safeguarding — both inside and outside the classroom — is essential. Australia is proud to support the Ministry of Education in delivering this important training."

Following the workshops, DESB staff will be encouraged and supported to apply their new skills in the ongoing management of school-based teacher CPD. BEQUAL, in collaboration with MoES at both central and subnational levels, will conduct monitoring and support visits to DESBs throughout the 2025–26 academic year. It is anticipated that DESBs will begin applying various components of this training, along with insights from previous capacity-building initiatives, to enhance the planning and management of teacher CPD — ultimately contributing to improved teaching quality and student learning outcomes.

KPL