Vientiane: As the 31st anniversary of Teacher’s Day, celebrated on 7th October, approaches, the Ministry of Education and Sports of (MoES), with support from the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, officially launched the first two videos of a groundbreaking Education Promotion Campaign aimed at transforming perceptions of education across the country. Ms Manivanh Yerpahoer, vice-president of the Committee for Culture and Society, National Assembly as well as representatives from all MoES departments, Provincial Education and Sports Services, District Education and Sports Bureaus, Teacher Training Colleges, Universities, Institutes, schools, directors of media outlets, journalists and development partners joined the meeting both in person and online.
According to Lao News Agency, Dr Daravone Kittiphanh, Vice Minister of Education and Sports, stated that the Ministry has developed this campaign with Australia’s support to address several pressing challenges, including declining student enrolment
s and the issue of motivating and retaining teachers. The campaign aims to change the perception held by many parents and students who currently undervalue education, by highlighting the critical role education and teachers play in society.
Ms Benita Sommerville, Deputy Ambassador for Australia, emphasized Australia’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s priorities in curriculum development and improving teaching quality. She noted that the goal is to ensure every child in Laos has the opportunity to complete a quality education, whether by supporting teachers or strengthening schools.
The campaign tackles the urgent challenge of declining school enrolments and skepticism about the value of education among parents and students. Through four videos, the campaign tells stories that aim to inspire students to continue their education, reassure parents of its lifelong benefits, and celebrate the dedication of teachers.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh highlighted the campaign’s significance in transforming how educat
ion is perceived and valued in Lao PDR. The campaign seeks to strengthen the collective commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development by celebrating teachers and inspiring students and parents.
Ms Benita Sommerville praised the collaboration between the two countries through the BEQUAL program. She emphasized the use of authentic stories and community engagement to encourage parents, students, teachers, and communities to embrace education as a vital investment.
At the event, MoES released the first two videos of the campaign. The audience responded enthusiastically, demonstrating the powerful resonance of the stories. The first video, ‘The 2 Paths,’ portrays contrasting futures of young people based on their education choices. The second video, ‘The Teacher’s Value,’ pays tribute to teachers’ dedication and highlights the challenges they face.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh expressed gratitude to educators, acknowledging teachers as the backbone of the education system. Ms Benita Sommerville ad
ded that teachers are at the heart of education, and their dedication inspires students daily. She emphasized Australia’s support for teacher retention through Continuing Professional Development.
The first two campaign videos will be broadcast nationally, shared on social media, and used in community outreach to maximize their impact. MoES is producing two additional videos, set to be released by the end of the year, focusing on a young girl’s determination to continue her education and how a community can support education.
Dr Daravone Kittiphanh concluded with a call to action for educators, media, and partners to disseminate the videos and encourage school attendance. Ms Benita Sommerville echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the collective effort to inspire a new generation to value education and build a brighter future for Laos.