Vientiane: The Australian Government today officially transferred the updated English for Lao Government Officials (ELGO) curriculum to its Lao counterparts, signifying a pivotal moment in Australia’s ongoing support to enhance English language skills within the Lao Government.
According to Lao News Agency, the ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Vientiane, drawing key representatives from the Australian Embassy to the Lao PDR, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Laos Australia Institute (LAI), and several partner institutions, including the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, the Institute of Foreign Affairs, the National University of Laos, the Ministry of National Defence, and the People’s Police Academy.
The revamped curriculum features Student Books, Teacher Guides, and audio resources divided into three modules. Developed collaboratively by LAI and Lao government counterparts, the updated materials aim to meet the changing needs of government officials and enhance practical English skills for both regional and global interactions.
Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Lao PDR, Ms. Benita Sommerville, emphasized that the curriculum handover demonstrates Australia’s dedication to supporting Laos’ human resource development goals. She noted, “The new ELGO curriculum is a significant achievement, helping to strengthen English capability across the Lao Government. English skills enable Government of Lao leaders and staff to engage in international trade, diplomacy and development projects, and to access technology, research and professional networks.”
The event also highlighted the ELGO development process, training successes, distribution milestones, and insights from the 2025 ELGO case study. The study revealed positive feedback on the curriculum, noting improved teacher confidence, professional development, and expanded English vocabulary for learners.
This handover bolsters the sustainable implementation of ELGO across Lao government institutions and underscores the strong partnership between Australia and Laos in education, human resource development, and regional engagement.