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Empowering Teachers in Remote Laos: BEQUAL's Internal Pedagogical Support System Expands to More Districts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) of Laos, with support from the Australian Government through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Laos (BEQUAL) program, has launched the sixth round of training for Internal Pedagogical Support (IPS) staff in 30 target districts. This training is part of the IPS system, which was introduced in 2023 to provide regular, practical, and peer-based support to primary school teachers, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas. The IPS system empowers experienced teachers and school leaders to act as in-school coaches and mentors, helping their colleagues improve their teaching practices through continuous professional development (CPD). Over 1,126 IPS staff from across the country, including 53% women and 47% from ethnic backgrounds, will participate in the training, which is facilitated by 100 technical staff from the Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) of Luang Namtha, Xiangkhouang, and Savannakhet.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IPS system has been extended to more provinces, with a focus on providing regular, practical, and peer-based support to primary school teachers, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas.
  • Over 1,126 IPS staff, including 53% women and 47% from ethnic backgrounds, will participate in the training, which is facilitated by 100 technical staff from the TTCs of Luang Namtha, Xiangkhouang, and Savannakhet.
  • The training includes ten detailed sessions over five days, focusing on topics such as Grade 1 Lao Language, multigrade teaching, Spoken Lao teaching and learning approach, and inclusive education and social norms.
  • The IPS system is essential for helping teachers stay motivated and providing regular, high-quality support, with Australia being proud to support the GOAL's innovative IPS system.
  • In the 2024-2025 academic year, IPS teams facilitated 41,774 teacher CPD activities, helping to embed the revised primary curriculum in classrooms and improving learning conditions for children in disadvantaged areas.
  • The IPS system will be further reinforced with the training of 141 external pedagogical support staff from 30 DESBs, ensuring comprehensive, multi-level support for teachers throughout the academic year.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,126 IPS staff will participate in the training, representing 53% of female participants and 47% from ethnic backgrounds.
  • The training includes ten detailed sessions over five days, focusing on various topics such as Grade 1 Lao Language and Spoken Lao teaching and learning approach.
  • In the 2024-2025 academic year, IPS teams facilitated 41,774 teacher CPD activities.
  • The IPS system will be further reinforced with the training of 141 external pedagogical support staff from 30 DESBs.

Sources:

  • Lao News Agency, August 28, 2025
  • "BEQUAL Program Report"
  • "Lao Ministry of Education and Sports Press Release"
  • "Australia's Ambassador to Laos Press Release"

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