(KPL) On October 6, schools across the country held ceremonies to celebrate the 31st anniversary of Lao National Teacher's Day (Oct 7, 1994 - 2025). The celebrations featured a variety of joyous activities, including lectures, poetry readings honoring teachers, student art performances, and the traditional teacher homage (wai ku).

The events were held to commemorate the virtues of Nai Khou Kham, to express gratitude to past and present educators who teach the nation’s children, and to elevate the prestige and role of teachers in society.

The Party and Government of the Lao PDR designated October 7, the day Nai Khou Kham, the first Lao teacher, began his civil service in 1907—as National Teacher's Day, with celebrations officially starting in 1994.

The Role of Teachers in Nation Building

At the School of Gifted and Ethnic Students, Mr. Kaosithiphon Chanthala, the school’s director, stated: "October 7, Lao National Teacher's Day, marks the ongoing development of humankind. In this continuous process of development, teachers have played an undeniably vital role."

the term 'Khou' (teacher) has been passed down through generations, signifying a person with knowledge and experience who can transmit that to others. The act of sharing knowledge from those who know to those who don't is called teaching and learning.

The Party and Government attach great importance to education, considering teachers as the foundation for improving the quality of education. Teachers are key in shaping the future of every generation and in the mission to build and develop a prosperous nation. Society has thus honored teachers with titles such as: the Mold of the Nation, Engineers of the Soul, the Bearers of Knowledge and Experience and the Leader of New Change.

October 7 was chosen to honor the achievements of staff, teachers, and individuals who have excelled and contributed to educational administration and human resource development in the Lao PDR.

KPL