Australia's new Deputy Head of Mission, Ms Benita Sommerville (L) hands over learning materials for primary schools affected by typhoon Yagi in Luang Namtha Province.

(KPL) Heavy rains and flash floods triggered by Typhoon Yagi in early September 2024 caused significant damage in Luang Namtha Districts and Province, including to primary schools. Floodwater affected buildings and essential teaching and learning materials, such as textbooks and teacher guides, were completely destroyed. Australia immediately responded to the appeal of the Ministry of Education and Sports to support their recovery efforts and replace lost primary textbooks and teacher guides.

On 16th October 2024, Mr Samlane Phankhavong, Vice Minister of Education and Sports and Ms Benita Sommerville, Australia’s new Deputy Head of Mission visited the Ministry’s printing house to handover learning materials to Provincial Education and Sports Sector for primary schools affected by the floods in Luang Namtha Province, supported by Australia.

“The Ministry of Education and Sports and provincial authorities took urgent action to deal with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, cleaning up mud and debris and ensuring the safety of school premises so that students can return. But floods cause severe devastation to books and documents. Now the priority is to replace the textbooks so that classes can fully resume as soon as possible. I would like to thank the Australian Government for their continuous support to the education sector not only on the regular basis, but on also in this time of crisis. Despite the difficulties caused by natural disaster, education must go on,” Mr. Samlane Phankhavong said.

Ms. Benita Sommerville and Mr Samlane Phankhavong visit the Ministry's printing house.

 “I am very honoured to be here today to see books being printed and sent to Luang Namtha to ensure that teachers can teach their classes and students can continue learning, even in a time of crisis. Australia has a long-term partnership with the Government of the Lao PDR to ensure quality primary education is available to all learners. Australia supported the Ministry of Education and Sports with the revision, production and distribution of learning materials for all grades of primary school. Today, Australia will join hands with the Ministry of Education in their recovery efforts and provide extra support to replace damaged teaching and learning materials in affected areas,” Ms. Benita Sommerville said.

A recent report from  the Disaster Management Task Force of the Ministry of Education and Sports indicates that the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 affected 1,800 primary students and teachers in 17 primary schools in Namtha, Nalae and Sing districts. Textbooks, teaching materials, desks, computers and experiment tools, and water dispensers were severely damaged beyond repair.

Australia Embassy and MoES delegation observe packing of textbooks for  Luang Namtha province

Australia supported the purchasing of 7,740 textbooks and 1,530 teacher guides for a total value of LAK 330,632,400 (approximatively AUD 22,500). The materials will be delivered to primary schools in Namtha, Nalae and Sing districts. The subjects supported by Australia include Lao Language, Moral Education, Science and the Environment, English, Social Studies, Arts and Handicrafts, Music and Physical Education for all primary grades.

 “When the full impact of the flood is known, we will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Sports to plan for further replenishment of lost teaching and learning materials across all flood-affected areas,” Ms. Benita Sommerville added.

KPL