Vientiane: The Ministry of Education and Sports will implement a series of measures to improve education in rural and remote areas, aiming to ensure students receive the same quality of education as those in urban centres. According to Lao News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalith Mangnomek outlined the ministry's priorities during the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on July 8, responding to questions from National Assembly members. He emphasized the expansion of school lunch programmes to more remote communities, promoting village-based agricultural production for sustainable food supplies. Additionally, the ministry will strengthen education on nutrition, hygiene, and food safety to improve children's health, encourage school attendance, and reduce dropout rates. The ministry plans to reform early childhood education by improving the pre-primary curriculum and extending primary education to Grade 6 to provide children with a stronger foun dation before secondary school. Non-formal education centres will also be strengthened to support students who have left the formal education system. In an effort to improve educational opportunities, the ministry will increase scholarships for students from poor families, disadvantaged children, and children with disabilities. Additional student dormitories and essential facilities will be developed in remote areas to reduce travel barriers and improve school attendance. Thongsalith highlighted the ministry's commitment to strengthening teacher development through continuous professional training, improving school supervision, and expanding the use of digital learning platforms, such as the Khang Panya Lao (Lao Wisdom Bank), to enhance teaching quality. The ministry aims to promote community participation through village education development committees, expand library services, strengthen inclusive education, and implement child protection and anti-human trafficking measures, ensuring schools provide saf e and supportive learning environments. These initiatives are intended to narrow the education gap between rural and urban areas while improving learning outcomes nationwide.
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