Teaching Today, Transforming Tomorrow!
By Bounmee Phommachan, Education Specialist, at World Vision International Lao PDR.
Education is a lifelong journey of discovery and growth. From the earliest years, children dream of going to school, not just to be with friends, but to experience the wonder of learning guided by a teacher. For many, this dream becomes a cherished reality; for others, it remains out of reach. Teachers are more than instructors-they are mentors, motivators, and role models who shape young minds with creativity and care. Through playful and engaging activities, they transform classrooms into vibrant spaces where curiosity thrives and learning feels like an adventure.
In recent years, a growing teacher shortage crisis has emerged in many countries worldwide. According to the International Task Force on Teachers for Education, a substantial shortfall of seven million teachers remains:1.7 million primary teachers and 5.3 million secondary teachers are needed. Lao PDR is similarly grappling with this challenge. National teacher recruitment figures have declined sharply, from 340 teachers recruited in 2022 to just 285 in 2023, despite an estimated need for 900 new teachers to fulfill the national education plan. This acute shortage has compelled many educators to manage multi-grade classrooms, leading to a reliance on community volunteers who teach without remuneration or formal training. For students, the absence of qualified teachers significantly limits access to quality education, contributing to increased rates of grade repetition and school dropout. Furthermore, the proliferation of multi-grade teaching environments has exacerbated already low learning outcomes.
The persistent shortage of qualified teachers continues to hinder access to Early Childhood Education (ECE), particularly in rural and remote regions of the Lao PDR. This challenge was underscored in the November 2024 Round Table Meeting Education Report, which highlighted three critical concerns: declining enrolment rates, insufficient teacher supply, and persistently low learning outcomes. Enrolment figures have continued to fall across all educational sub-sectors throughout the 2023–2024 academic year, reflecting systemic barriers to participation. Notably, the report identified approximately 30 districts nationwide that currently lack pre-primary classrooms, further exacerbating disparities in early educational access and equity.
In the districts of Xonnabuly, Sanamxay, and Toomlan, World Vision Laos is implementing the "Improving Learning Outcomes for Early Childhood and Primary Education" project. At Toumlan, among the 20 target schools, only eight are equipped with Early Childhood Education (ECE) classrooms. This limited coverage indicates that children aged 3 to 5 in the remaining schools lack access to foundational early learning experiences. As a result, many enter Grade 1 without basic literacy and numeracy skills, which significantly impairs their ability to engage with the curriculum and develop reading comprehension. The lack of preparedness not only undermines academic performance but also hinders the broader aspects of children's holistic development, including cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
To support the government's efforts in ensuring school functionality and inclusive education, World Vision Laos has mobilized community volunteers and strengthened their capacity through training in the Learning Roots Project Model methodology. These volunteers play a pivotal role in bridging educational gaps by assisting teachers and caregivers in delivering play-based learning experiences for young children. In Toumlan district, the project successfully completed the construction of four Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers and installed seven outdoor playground sets. Meanwhile, Sanamxay district completed the construction of six ECE centers, each equipped with six outdoor playground sets, making early learning spaces more accessible within local communities. Despite these achievements, there remains an urgent need to expand the teaching workforce to ensure schools operate effectively and children experience improved well-being and enhanced learning outcomes.
“My dream is to see that all children in my community can access kindergarten to prepare them for primary school. I am pleased to see parents and caregivers recognize the importance of enrolling their children in kindergarten before they start primary school. I have learned many new games and songs and different teaching techniques from World Vision,” said Chantha, a 30-year-old kindergarten teacher.” She added, “Currently, 48 children are participating in my class, and I have noticed an increase in enrollment since the construction of the new kindergarten building, playground, and the provision of additional materials.
Further Reading and Information can be found:
Early Childhood Development Ages 0-3 Approach and Evidence
Early Childhood Development Ages 3-6 Approach and Evidence