From Ancient Heritage to Modern Learning
Pave the way for digital future in Laos
In the heart of northern Lao PDR, Luang Prabang captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage as the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient temples and intricately built homes tell stories of the past, but beneath this beauty lies a pressing challenge: the education system for children and youth is struggling to meet the demands of the digital age.
Across Laos, many children face the challenges of a widening digital divide. Resources are scarce, and digital literacy is lacking. Soulivon Khampha, a teacher from Pongkham Secondary School, observes, “The children struggle to find information because it’s often not available in Lao. It would be much better if we could access data in our own language.”
Many students face even greater challenges in developing essential digital literacy skills. Without these, young people struggle to access the wealth of information available online, critical for their learning and future opportunities. This lack of digital literacy not only hinders understanding across subjects but also diminishes their motivation to learn.
Fortunately, efforts to improve both literacy and digital skills in Lao PDR are taking shape. “This is my first time using the Khang Panya Lao platform. I didn’t know it had so much content!” shares Thaithana Viengdala, a student at Phonekham Secondary School.
Amid these challenges, a spark of hope is emerging. Innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) bootcamps, which also incorporate digital literacy training, are being introduced in schools across the province. “This is the first time in Luang Prabang we’ve seen activities like this, and I wish we could have them every year,” says Bounpone Phanpadid, a teacher at Khoi School with three decades of experience.
These dynamic programs are reshaping students’ perceptions of learning. Instead of rote memorization, students are encouraged to explore technical areas, create solutions, and think critically—skills essential for solving problems through the activities during Bootcamp.
This bootcamp helped me discover my interests through hands-on activities. What I liked most was the Technology and AI Room, where I got to design posters! says Palita Khammy, a student from Khoi Secondary School.
This positive shift is supported by UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Sport, and XM Technovator - with generous funding support from WeMade - which recognize the urgent need to modernize education in Lao PDR, helping children who once felt disconnected from their education rediscover joy and purpose in their studies. Aspiring scientists, engineers, and innovators are beginning to emerge, exploring new possibilities that fulfill their imaginations.
"This is the first time I’ve seen so many students interested in becoming engineers. One of them even told me he wants to work like me!" shared Mr. Lee Simmanavong, a technical staff member specializing in electrical breakers, his eyes bright with pride.
I feel so inspired to meet and talk with real technical staff. It’s helping me imagine if I’d enjoy this kind of work, and It’s great to learn about these career paths while we’re young so we can better understand what we want to pursue. said Thaithana Viengdala, a student at Phonekham Secondary School.
As we merge the rich heritage of Luang Prabang with the promise of a brighter future, the transformative power of education, including digital literacy, becomes clear. By integrating modern learning approaches into this historic town, we are not only preserving its cultural legacy but also empowering young people to shape their futures with confidence in a digital world, and offering every child the chance to dream, learn, and succeed in the digital age.
