Lao PDR has launched the Spoken Lao Programme (SLP) to support non-Lao speaking Grade 1 students, addressing the challenge faced by nearly 40% of students who speak a language other than Lao. Developed by the Ministry of Education and Sports with support from Australia and USAID, the program aims to improve oral Lao language skills, enabling students to participate more effectively in the classroom. The SLP has already been tested with positive results and will be implemented nationwide this school year, reaching over 14,000 teachers and distributing nearly 200,000 educational materials.