Laos has made notable progress in education in recent years, with an increase in school enrollment rates and reforms aimed at improving access to learning. However, major challenges remain, including a high dropout rate, disparities between urban and rural areas, and a lack of adequate educational resources.
Children from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to educational inequalities. Limited access to school infrastructure, language barriers, and economic hardship are all factors hindering their schooling. Furthermore, the quality of education remains a critical issue, with an urgent need for teacher training and improvement of learning conditions.
To address these challenges, initiatives are being implemented to promote inclusion and strengthen support for the most struggling schools. Non-formal education, which focuses on developing practical skills and literacy, represents a vital alternative for young people and adults who have not had access to a formal school pathway.
Despite these efforts, there is still much to be done to ensure quality education for all. In this context, support actions, such as those carried out by Smile Burma, can play a key role by providing resources, encouraging teacher training, and fostering sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders.