Ministry of Education and Sports-UNICEF Visit Flood-Affected Schools in Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha Province, 23 September 2024 – In a joint effort to address the impact of recent flooding on schools in Luang Namtha province, which has impacted over 5,000 students in the province, the Ministry of Education and Sports alongside UNICEF recently visited several schools in the province to assess their needs and ensure the continuity of learning for students.

A delegation led by H.E. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, and supported by Mr. Bilal Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR, met with students, teachers and provincial authorities. During the visit, the delegation also handed over education and WASH supplies to support the schools, with UNICEF pledging further support for those affected.   

H.E. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring learning continuity during emergencies. “Education is vital in unlocking our children’s potential and we cannot let emergencies derail their learning progress.”

“The Ministry of Education and Sports is fully dedicated to minimizing the impact of the recent floods on schools in Luang Namtha and other affected provinces,” continued the Minister of Education. “We are working closely with our partners like UNICEF to provide essential resources, including teaching materials and psychosocial support, to help students and teachers navigate this difficult time.”

UNICEF was among the earliest responders to the widespread flooding in Lao PDR this month, immediately providing essential water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies at the onset of the emergency for affected families, including chlorine tablets for water purification, soaps, water containers and buckets, and sanitary pads.

Mr. Bilal Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR, reiterated the organization’s commitment to helping affected communities. “UNICEF stands ready to support the Ministry of Education and Sports to restore learning for children impacted by the floods and help affected communities recover,” said Mr. Durrani.

“We believe that education is a lifeline for children during emergencies, and we are committed to ensuring that schools, teachers and children have access to the necessary resources they need to continue their teaching-learning activities.”