Senior ministry officials attend a meeting to mark the close of the “Sowing the Seeds of Inclusive Education” project.

Inclusive education project marks progress with strong commitment from stakeholders

The European Union-funded project Sowing the Seeds of Inclusive Education (SOS-IE) recently held a pivotal event as part of its closing activities, marking significant strides in the country’s efforts to provide education to children with developmental disabilities.
Implemented across 20 villages in Huaphan and Champassak provinces by the Association of Autism (AfA) and the Intellectual Disability Association (IDA), with technical support from Humanity & Inclusion (HI), the project has made a lasting impact on the educational landscape for marginalised children in Laos.

An annual meeting to discuss inclusive education in Laos.

The event was attended by key figures including the European Union’s Ambassador, Mr Mark Gallagher, and Dr Silinthone, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation.
Mr Reinier Carabain, HI’s Country Manager, opened the event by providing an overview of the SOS-IE project.
He emphasised the project’s role in reaching out to children with developmental disabilities who have previously been excluded from the educational system.
Using the analogy of “SOS” as “Saving Our Souls,” Mr Carabain stressed the urgent need for action to ensure these children receive the education they deserve.
He also highlighted the ongoing challenge of securing funding for their education, urging donors and implementers to prioritise this cause.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Gallagher underscored the historic nature of the SOS-IE project, calling it the first-ever initiative in Laos dedicated to inclusive education for children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
He celebrated the empowerment of parents who, through Self Help Groups, have found support and solidarity in advocating for their children’s education.
The ambassador also highlighted the project’s focus on teacher training, which has equipped educators with the skills to create inclusive classrooms.
Through active learning methods and regular coaching, SOS-IE has ensured that these new approaches are successfully applied in schools, transforming the educational experience for children with disabilities.
As the project nears its conclusion this month, Ambassador Gallagher expressed optimism for the future of inclusive education in Laos.
He emphasised that SOS-IE has demonstrated the potential for success when inclusivity is prioritised. “We must look to the future with both optimism and determination,” he said.
Dr Silinthone also shared her thoughts on the importance of inclusion, reinforcing the principle of “Leaving No-One Behind”, which has been central to the project’s goals. She called for continued collaboration across all sectors to maintain momentum and ensure that no child is excluded from educational opportunities.
Following the speeches, a series of plenary discussions were held to focus on the sustainability of inclusive education.
The first session, attended by donors, explored how to maintain progress in the field, while the second, involving implementers and government representatives, focused on the integration of inclusive education into national policy.
One key outcome was a shared commitment to advancing the Inclusive Education Strategy and Action Plan 2030, developed by the Ministry of Education and Sports with support from HI’s Inclusive Education Specialist.
Real-World Impact
The event also provided a platform for sharing the lessons learned through SOS-IE. HI’s Project Manager said that, with the right support, even children in remote schools can succeed. Through training and continuous support for teachers, SOS-IE has shown that inclusive education is not just an ideal but a tangible reality in Lao classrooms.
As the SOS-IE project draws to a close, the commitment of stakeholders to sustaining and expanding inclusive education in Laos remains strong, offering hope for the future of marginalised children and their right to quality education.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 25, 2025)