KPL
As the 31st anniversary of Teacher’s Day, celebrated on 7th October, approaches, the Ministry of Education and Sports of (MoES), with support from the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, officially launched the first two videos of a groundbreaking Education Promotion Campaign aimed at transforming perceptions of education across the country. Ms Manivanh Yerpahoer, vice-president of the Committee for Culture and Society, National Assembly as well as representatives from all MoES departments, Provincial Education and Sports Services, District Education and Sports Bureaus, Teacher Training Colleges, Universities, Institutes, schools, directors of media outlets, journalists and development partners joined the meeting both in person and online.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh, Vice Minister of Education and Sports said “The Ministry of Education and Sports has developed this campaign with Australia’s support to address several pressing challenges, including declining student enrolments and the critical issue of motivating and retaining our dedicated teachers. Many parents and students across our nation currently undervalue education. This campaign aims to change that perception by highlighting the critical role education and teachers play in our society.”
Ms Benita Sommerville, Deputy Ambassador for Australia added “Australia is proud to support the Ministry’s priorities, not only in curriculum development and improving teaching quality, but also in shifting the way education is valued and understood across communities. Whether we are supporting teachers or strengthening schools, our goal is the same: to make sure every child in Laos has the chance to complete a quality education.”
The campaign addresses the urgent challenge of declining school enrolments and skepticism about the value of education among parents and students. Through four compelling videos, the campaign tells authentic stories that aim to inspire students to continue their education, reassure parents of its lifelong benefits, and celebrate the dedication of teachers.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh highlighted the importance of the campaign: “This Education Promotion Campaign represents a significant milestone in transforming how education is perceived and valued in Lao PDR. By celebrating teachers and inspiring students and parents alike, the campaign seeks to strengthen our collective commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.”
Ms Benita Sommerville said “This campaign is a testament to the creative and professional collaboration between our two countries through the BEQUAL program. It uses authentic stories and community engagement to communicate directly to parents, students, teachers, and communities, encouraging them to embrace education as a vital investment.”
At the event, MoES released the first two videos of the campaign. The audience reacted with great enthusiasm and positive comments, demonstrating the powerful resonance of the stories. The first video, “The 2 Paths,” portrays contrasting futures of young people based on their education choices, emphasising how education equips youth with essential skills, critical thinking and opportunities to build meaningful lives. The second video, “The Teacher’s Value,” pays tribute to teachers’ dedication and the profound and lasting impact of their work on generations to come. It also sheds light on the challenges teachers face and their vital role in inspiring the next generation and building the nation’s future.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh acknowledged the value and role of teachers: “As Teacher’s Day approaches, I warmly express my gratitude to teachers and all educators whose dedication and commitment shape the future of the Lao PDR. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their teaching responsibility inspires hope and opportunity for generations to come.”
Ms Benita Sommerville added “Teachers are truly at the heart of education. Their dedication, passion, and commitment inspire students daily, shaping not only individual futures but also the future of the nation. That’s why Australia continues to support teacher retention through a strong focus on Continuing Professional Development, helping teachers to stay engaged, confident, and motivated. Strong teachers mean stronger schools and more students in classrooms.”
Those first two campaign videos will be broadcast nationally on television, shared on social media, and used in community outreach to maximize their impact. MoES is currently producing two additional videos that will be available by the end of the year. One follows the story of a young girl determined to continue her education through secondary school, and the other highlights how an entire community can come together to support education.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh concluded with a strong call to action to educators, media, and partners to actively disseminate the videos to reach all target audiences and encourage children to attend school: “The Ministry of Education and Sports, together with the Australian Embassy, calls upon all stakeholders to actively share these messages.”
Ms Benita Sommerville added “Together, we can inspire a new generation to value education and build a brighter future for Laos.”
KPL
