Vientiane: The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from Australia through the BEQUAL program, is organizing a three-day workshop from 13 to 15 May 2026 to advance the development of Teacher Support Pack 15 (TSP 15) on the topic of climate change. The workshop brings together representatives from the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), the Resource Development Core Team (RDCT) from Khangkhai Teacher Training College, and the BEQUAL team to review lesson content, refine sample activities, and transform earlier curriculum mapping and field learning into practical materials for primary teachers.
According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Phetmany Sylathmina, Deputy Director General of DTE, shared that the initiative aims to help primary teachers in the Lao PDR integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction into everyday lessons in ways that are practical, meaningful, and closely linked to the national primary curriculum. The TSP module will focus on both knowledge and action in schools, emphasi
zing climate change as not only a scientific topic but also a social issue affecting the livelihoods, well-being, and safety of every learner.
In a separate interview, Mr. Michael Currie, First Secretary, Australian Embassy, expressed Australia’s satisfaction in supporting MoES through BEQUAL. He highlighted the importance of equipping students with foundational knowledge and skills to confidently face modern challenges, noting that climate change impacts various societal facets beyond the environment.
The development of TSP 15 began with foundational workshops in February and March 2026, where RDCT members and DTE reviewed the Science and Environment and Lao Language curriculum for Grades 1-5, developed with Australian Government support. The team identified existing climate change content and areas for enhancement, mapping curriculum content to climate change themes, and piloting classroom activities to address climate issues across subjects and grade levels.
In early April, the team embarked on a study
tour in Luang Prabang Province, linked to the Lao Safe School Project and Green School initiatives. Over five days, they engaged with provincial and district education offices and visited primary schools to observe disaster risk reduction efforts, climate change adaptation, and safe school management. Insights from these real-world examples will directly inform the strategies and practical tools offered by TSP 15.
Mrs. Noy Phimmyseang, technical staff from the Education Development Centre, DTE, explained that during the workshop, the core team would begin transforming curriculum mapping and study tour insights into concrete components of TSP 15. The team will refine teaching activities, incorporate case studies, and structure the pack to include guidance on school safety and resilience.
The TSP 15 development will continue in the coming months, with further workshops leading to a complete module by November. External experts in environmental science, climate trends, disaster risk reduction, and school leade
rship under climate stress will contribute to deepening the technical quality and local relevance of the materials.
Mr. Michael Currie concluded by expressing the anticipation of seeing these materials bring real change in schools, enabling teachers to confidently teach about climate change and prepare students for adaptation and a changing world, ultimately fostering resilient and capable contributors to the future of the Lao PDR.