Lao officials and an Australian delegation visiting a primary school in Vientiane last week. - VT
VIENTIANE: Lao government officials and Australian parliamentarians are celebrating key achievements in their partnership in primary education development, visiting target schools to observe improved teaching and learning in action.
Senior Lao officials and a delegation of Australian parliamentarians participating in the Australian Regional Leadership Initiative (ARLI) visited a primary school in Vientiane last week.
Among the group were Laos’ Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Mr Kingmano Phommahaxay and the Deputy Ambassador of the Australian Embassy, Benita Sommerville.
The visit highlighted the tangible outcomes of Australia’s ongoing investment in primary education through the Bequal programme.
The parliamentarians observed lively classrooms where students actively engaged in learning Lao Language and English, science classes, and environmental studies.
Children participated in hands-on experiments and collaborated enthusiastically on language activities, showing enjoyment and curiosity.
The new teaching approach of the revised primary curriculum supported by Australia encourages learning through fun, interaction, and practical application, moving away from rote memorisation.
Teachers guided students through activities, with a focus on critical thinking and participation, evidencing the success of the revamped primary school curriculum.
Kingmano said “This visit reaffirms the strong partnership between Laos and Australia in advancing quality basic education.”
He noted that Australia’s support, through the Bequal programme, has played a pivotal role in revising the national curriculum, producing quality teaching and learning materials, and establishing a continuing professional development system for teachers.
The programme’s second phase will ensure that teachers have ongoing opportunities to upgrade their skills and deliver high-quality education to every child.
Sommerville said Australia highly values its long-standing relationship with Laos and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
“Our partnership, through the Bequal programme, reflects our shared vision and commitment to inclusive and quality education. This visit is a proud moment to see firsthand the positive impact of our collaboration to enhance children’s learning journeys.”
“Ensuring every child has access to quality education means embracing diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to support initiatives like the Spoken Lao approach, which helps students who don’t speak Lao at home to fully participate and thrive in the classroom,” she said.
The visit concluded with the donation of learning materials, including storybooks, sports equipment, and school supplies, from the Australian Government to the school. - Vientiane Times/ANN
