Lao Education Minister Presents Progress on National Education System Reform Strategy
Lao education system shows improvements but faces challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic
During the 8th National Assembly session from November 21–24, Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, presented updates on the progress of the National Education System Reform Strategy. Over the past two decades, Laos has made significant strides in expanding its education system, with increased school enrollment and improvements in primary education completion rates. Between 2005 and 2010, the primary education completion rate rose from 44.2 percent to 57 percent, and 35 model secondary schools were established, improving access to education.
In the subsequent years from 2010 to 2015, preschool enrollment for children aged 3–5 more than doubled, rising from 21.1 percent to 43 percent, and dropout rates decreased. Vocational education also experienced growth, with enrollment numbers rising from 53,925 to 62,669 students. The 8th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020) saw further progress, with primary school grade 5 enrollment reaching 105.5 percent, and gender parity improved in both primary and secondary education. However, the positive trends were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to increased dropout rates and a decline in student exam participation, particularly in Grade 4 and Grade 7. University enrollment rates also dropped significantly, with fewer than 10,000 high school graduates pursuing higher education in 2023.
The Ministry of Education and Sports continues to focus on addressing these challenges while seeking to improve the quality and accessibility of education across the country, with an emphasis on restoring enrollment and reducing dropout rates in the wake of the pandemic.
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In the subsequent years from 2010 to 2015, preschool enrollment for children aged 3–5 more than doubled, rising from 21.1 percent to 43 percent, and dropout rates decreased. Vocational education also experienced growth, with enrollment numbers rising from 53,925 to 62,669 students. The 8th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020) saw further progress, with primary school grade 5 enrollment reaching 105.5 percent, and gender parity improved in both primary and secondary education. However, the positive trends were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to increased dropout rates and a decline in student exam participation, particularly in Grade 4 and Grade 7. University enrollment rates also dropped significantly, with fewer than 10,000 high school graduates pursuing higher education in 2023.
The Ministry of Education and Sports continues to focus on addressing these challenges while seeking to improve the quality and accessibility of education across the country, with an emphasis on restoring enrollment and reducing dropout rates in the wake of the pandemic.
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