Ministry of Education, EU and UNICEF Advance Education in Lao PDR

Vientiane, Lao PDR, March 21, 2025 – The Ministry of Education and Sports, the European Union (EU), and UNICEF came together today to reflect on the progress achieved through the Partnership to Strengthen the Education System (PSES) in Lao PDR.

Over the past 5 years, this collaboration has reached over 4 million children, introduced real-time education data systems, improved teacher allocation, and promoted digital learning. More than 300,000 users now access Khang Panya Lao, an online learning platform providing lessons and resources for students and teachers and made possible through this partnership, and the early childhood development TV series and storybook ‘My House’ reached over 300,000 children in rural and remote areas.

Minister of Education and Sports, H.E. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued progress. “With improved data systems and support to teachers, we are addressing key challenges in education and ensuring more effective learning for children across Lao PDR.”

The collaboration has strengthened education planning through the Lao Education and Sports Management Information System, helping to allocate teachers where they are needed most. The Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes, a national assessment at both primary and secondary levels, has identified critical gaps in learning and informed policy decisions aimed at supporting students and teachers, particularly those in disadvantaged areas.

“The EU is proud to support Lao PDR in making quality education accessible to every child,” said Ms. Veerle Smet, Head of Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Lao PDR. “Investing in education is more than just improving schools today, it is about empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skill they need to build a brighter future. By strengthening education systems, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society where no child is left behind.”

PSES also enabled pivotal research into the factors that enable improved student learning and the specific causes of school dropout for girls and boys, shared widely and used to inform development of key policy and plans including the upcoming 10^th Education and Sports Sector Development Plan. Beyond this, PSES also contributed substantially to the development of the 2023 Lao Social Indicator Study (LSIS III) providing essential nationwide data on the welfare of children and women in Lao PDR disaggregated across the social sectors.

UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR, Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, emphasized the impact of the partnership. “This collaboration has introduced practical solutions that strengthen education systems. The use of data, digital learning, and teacher training has made a measurable difference. Moving forward, further investments are needed to ensure that every child can learn and develop their skills.”

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote learning solutions. Khang Panya Lao and the “My House” TV series provided learning resources when schools were closed, enabling students to continue their studies. These platforms continue to support education by offering digital lessons and teaching tools.