Laos, Asian ministers approve plan for education development
 
Members of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) have approved the strategy plan for 2021-2025, to address regional cooperation in education development.
Representatives from Laos and SEAMEO member countries recently discussed and approved the strategy plan at the 4th Governing Board Meeting of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Community Education Development (SEAMEO CED) via an online meeting.
The goal of the strategy plan for 2021-2025 is to achieve universal early childhood care and education, with a particular focus on addressing barriers to inclusion.

The plan will promote resilience in the face of emergencies along with technical and vocational education and training, and improvements to teacher education.
 SEAMEO members will harmonise higher education and research, and adopt new curriculums in the region. The meeting also approved the implementation of various education projects in Laos.
These are the Border Schools Project, Digital Kids ASIA-Pacific in Laos, Effectiveness Assessment Survey of Mine Risk Education, Strengthening Schools and Community Partnership in Asia, Project on Nutrition for Special Needs Education Students, and the publication of an article titled “Covid-19 in Laos: Impacts and Responses of Lao Education Sector”.
During the meeting, on behalf of Lao representatives, Director of SEAMEO CED Associate Prof. Dr Niane Sivongxay reviewed achievements and challenges.
“This is the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the SEAMEO CED. So far we have seen a number of significant developments in the work of our centre, including the development of core research projects and consultancy services, with support from the Ministry of Education and Sports.”
“The Lao government has created opportunities for all Lao citizens to have equitable access to quality education. Our centre plays a significant role in addressing barriers to inclusion and encouraging local communities to engage with schools,” he said. 
“In parallel with support from the ministry along with research connections with the National University of Laos, Non-Governmental Organisations and other partners, our organisation has built a strong foundation and has been able to strengthen research work and create concrete linkages between policy and research in order to deliver on a number of key projects.
 These include the SEAMEO flagship Border Schools Project; collaboration with the United Nations on an effectiveness assessment survey of mine risk education; cooperation with UNESCO Bangkok in the translation of green academies for UNESCO publication; and partnering with the SEAMEO Secretariat, UNESCO Bangkok and Global Partnership for Education in the translation of online training courses for special needs education.

By Times Reporters
  (Latest Update November 16, 2021)