Improving Children’s Education in Laos
Photo by Benny Manser/CRS
In the remote village of Na Kang Xe in the Savannakhet province of Laos, farmer Dou Ladsaphon smiles as her daughter, Namtarn, attends an early childhood education program at her community-based school readiness program. Dou’s education ended in fifth grade, so she is determined that Namtarn will have better opportunities.
“I’m very happy and want my daughter to enroll,” says Dou. “I want her to learn from school and improve her literacy skills.”
Dou Ladsaphon’s daughter Namtan is thriving at school, thanks to the CRS-led LEAPS project.
Photo by Benny Manser/CRS
“When I was young, we grew up in a very poor family. My family and I had to support and raise eight people in the household. It was not easy for my parents to find money and support all of them. So that’s why I dropped out of school and had to work as a farmer, to raise my younger brothers and sisters,” Dou says.
This educational initiative is made possible through the Learning and Engaging All in Primary Schools project, or LEAPS. Funded by the USDA’s McGovern-Dole Food For Education Program and implemented by Catholic Relief Services, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the LEAPS project is changing young lives like Namtarn’s by helping her access preschool education.
The LEAPS project is not just about literacy—it’s a holistic approach to child development. Dou appreciates the value of education, for both academic growth and her daughter’s health.
“At school, they provide soymilk,” Dou says. “I feel she's getting healthier because she’s enrolled at the school. Nutrition and health are integral parts of the curriculum, ensuring that children like Nam Tham not only thrive academically but also physically.
A Community Volunteer's Impact
Aeir Vanhvilai, a community farmer and volunteer, nurtures young minds in Na Kang Xe Primary School. As an Early Child Education teacher, she teaches introductory literacy skills and encourages socialization for children aged 3 to 6.
Photo by Benny Manser/CRS
Community volunteer Aeir Vanhvilai, a former farmer, dedicates her time helping young learners from ages 3 to 6, including Namtarn, prepare to enter first grade.
“In this village, we don't have a preschool or kindergarten. So therefore, I want to help the children in this village to develop their learning and skills,” Aeir says.
Having graduated from secondary school, over the last year Aeir gained additional skills by participating in eight early childhood education training classes provided by the district education office and CRS.
“In the training, I learned how to teach the children using the right materials,” says Aeir.
She is using newly acquired techniques that make learning interactive and fun, whether that’s teaching about colors, numbers or the Lao alphabet.
“I use some techniques in the class to engage the children’s attention. I use body language like ‘touch your shoulder, hug yourself, put your hands up!’ to make sure that they pay attention to me before I start to teach,” Aeir says.
“The children gained self-confidence as they sing songs in front of the class, and when I ask them to recognize the alphabet, they eagerly compete to answer,” Aeir says, noting the children’s growing confidence and eagerness to learn.
The success of the LEAPS project is a testament to the power of community involvement.
“CRS also helps to monitor and support the head of the village. The community volunteer engages the community and parents to join the school,” Aeir says.
The Impact of Early Education
The LEAPS project is helping remote communities access improved education, nutrition and health benefits.
Photo by Benny Manser/CRS
The LEAPS project’s early childhood education activity is crucial and has been expanding early childhood education in 33 schools in the Phalanxay and Vilabouly districts of the Savannakhet province. It equips children with foundational knowledge, such as the alphabet and numbers, preparing them to enter first grade successfully.
“The community-based school readiness activity is very important because children gain knowledge on listening, counting numbers and reading the alphabet. So when they move up to grade one, it will help with making it easier to understand about the alphabet or anything related to themselves,” says Aeir.
Children who once had little knowledge of the world around them are now blossoming into confident learners.
“Before Namtarn enrolled in this class, she didn’t know so many things. But now, she is learning how to read,” says Aeir.
Namtarn’s mother also emphasizes the significance of early childhood education.
“For me, the preschool activity is very important. I want her to learn how to respect people and also learn about the alphabet or numbers because when I was young I didn't have this kind of opportunity. She is also socializing with her friends in the class. She is more confident and she's improving her skills and knowledge,” says Dou.
Early childhood education is also helping foster Namtarn’s independence and self-confidence.
“Before, it was me who prepared for her. After learning at school, she is more independent. For example, in the house she will get a water bottle and fill up the water by herself. She can even put the clothes on by herself and she doesn't need help from others so much,” Dou says.
“Namtarn uses her motor skills through singing, acting, and role plays. She has studied the alphabet, and she likes to read the letters. I think this is important for her because this is the basic knowledge before she enters into grade one at school,” says Dou.
“The children also learn about hygiene. They learn how to use the toilet properly and how to wash their hands properly every day,” says Aeir.
A Vision for the Future
The Na Kang Xe school in the Savannakhet province of Laos is home to more than 100 students, including the preschool class that is part of CRS’ LEAPS project. The project is improving education, nutrition and health for more than 30,000 students across 302 schools in Savannakhet.
Photo by Benny Manser/CRS
Both Dou and Aeir share a common vision: a brighter future for the children of Na Kang Xe village. Dou hopes that Namtarn will achieve a level of education she could only dream of.
“Right now, my life is better. I have a rice field and grow my own rice. I have enough food to eat every day. I also grow my own garden vegetables, and my husband works, so he sends us money to buy some fresh food and some important things in the house. So our life now is getting better. I want my child to be educated well and study to a very high level. Then she can get a better job in the future,” Dou says.
Aeir also hopes to continue her role as a community volunteer, nurturing the village’s next generation of well-educated individuals.
“I feel proud,” she says. It makes me happy to teach the children every day because I can see them growing, gaining new knowledge, and I’m a part of teaching them. I want to help the children in my community and village to have better education. So that in the future, they can also help this village,” Aeir says.
