Luang namtha: A significant educational initiative, the Spoken Lao program, is making strides in supporting children’s language acquisition and participation in classrooms across Laos. The program is particularly aimed at children who begin school without proficiency in the Lao language.
According to Lao News Agency, a recent visit by a delegation comprising representatives from the Lao Language Research Centre of RIES, the Department of Planning, the Department of Teacher Education, the Primary Division and Inclusive Education Division of the Department of General Education, the Australian Embassy, and BEQUAL experts, provided insights into the progress and challenges of the program. The delegation observed lessons, met with educational staff, and discussed the necessary support to enhance learning outcomes for young learners.
Spoken Lao integrates into the grade 1 curriculum, offering supplementary lessons to improve students’ Lao language skills. Conducted at least three times a week, these lessons are designed to work alongside the standard Lao Language curriculum, providing additional time and support. Initially trialed in select provinces, the program demonstrated successful results and was subsequently implemented nationwide in the 2024-2025 school year. It assists grade 1 students across all provinces, focusing on those who need extra help with language skills at the start of their education.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program has been instrumental in strengthening Lao language education. Following the success of the grade 1 implementation, grade 2 lessons are now being developed, with materials expected to be ready for the 2027-2028 school year. Mr. Vongphet Oudomlit highlighted that the new materials are being designed to be more user-friendly for teachers and effective for students.
Michael Currie, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy, emphasized the importance of addressing language barriers as a significant equity issue. With an estimated 40% of students speaking languages other than Lao at home, the Spoken Lao program exemplifies how pilot projects can evolve into national strategies for inclusive education. The program’s success is attributed to comprehensive teacher support, including classroom observations, discussions, co-teaching, remote check-ins, and access to resources like Teacher Support Pack modules and Teacher Development Videos.
The visit underscored the value of ongoing teacher development and the positive impact of practical, regular support on teaching quality. Well-supported teachers can better address diverse learning needs, benefiting all students, particularly those requiring additional language assistance. Mr. Vongphet Oudomlit and Michael Currie reiterated the commitment of the Lao PDR and Australian governments to inclusive education, recognizing it as a foundational investment for the country’s future.