6-Month MOU Activity Review and Next 6-Month Planning Meeting for Learn to Read Phase II and Promoting Inclusive Education

Over the years, children in Laos have faced a shortage of textbooks and storybooks, resulting in a lack of enthusiastic readers. To address this issue, the USAID Learn to Read project has been instrumental in providing essential resources to children from pre-primary to grade 2 in four provinces of Laos. In 2024 alone, nearly 26,000 reading materials were distributed to the project’s innovative areas.

As part of its commitment to the Government of Laos, the Learn to Read project holds six-monthly work review and planning meetings under its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in four target provinces: Champasak, Attapeu, Xiengkhouang, and Vientiane. The most recent MoU meeting was held on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Kasi District, Vientiane Province. The meeting was chaired by the Head of Provincial Education and Sports Service, Mr. Aod Sengphim, and included participants from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Vientiane Province PESS, District Governors and DESB from six districts (Kasi, Vangvieng, Phonhong, Thoulakhom, Feuang, and Meun), and Learn to Read staff.

The meeting focused on reviewing achievements, lessons learned, challenges, and ways to improve the quality of project implementation. Additionally, the next six-month work plan was presented. District officials emphasized the importance of children's reading at a young age for their future education. They requested that Learn to Read focus more on engaging communities and parents to support their children's reading efforts.

“Children’s reading at a young age is very important for their further education, and we would like to ask Learn to Read to focus more on the community and parents to support their children's reading,” said district officials. Learn to Read continues to prioritize community and parental engagement in supporting children's reading. Together, we're making a difference!

“Thanks to USAID Learn to Read. This initiative is crucial for our children in Laos, helping them to read, comprehend, and broaden their horizons. Today, we aim to share and enhance our stability through education. As we read more, we gain more knowledge. Therefore, I urge everyone to collaborate effectively and work together seamlessly,” said Bounchan Boudsaodon, Deputy of Provincial Education and Sports.

On July 2, 2024, USAID Learn to Read conducted another six-monthly MoU meeting in Champasak province. This meeting was attended by 66 participants, including representatives from the Deputy Governor's office, Teacher Teaching Colleges, Provincial Education and Sports, District Education and Sports, and Learn to Read staff.

Over the past six months, Learn to Read has been providing training and support to principals, pre-primary teachers, multi-class teachers, and youth literacy campaigns. Additionally, children have had opportunities to attend reading summer camps, reading festivals, and reading groups, ensuring they have access to books in their environment. This initiative aims to integrate reading into their culture, fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Textbooks and storybooks are reaching children in Champasak, demonstrating the significant impacts of this project. By continually reviewing and planning activities, Learn to Read aims to enhance its efforts in promoting inclusive education and ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop a love for reading.