A shortage of teachers in Laos

The shortage of teachers has become a major issue in many countries, and Laos is no exception to this crisis. Facing a growing lack of teachers and a precarious economic situation, the government has been forced to seek innovative solutions to ensure the continuity of education in the country.

Currently, 86 soldiers are undergoing teacher training in the province of Savannakhet, where over 500 positions are available. Eventually, around 2,000 soldiers are expected to be trained to teach science and Lao language, after just six days of training.

Current Political Situation in Myanmar

Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been facing an unprecedented political and humanitarian crisis. The overthrow of the civilian government has led to massive repression against opponents, with arbitrary arrests, violence, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

In response to this situation, resistance has organized in various forms. From civil disobedience movements to armed insurgent groups, opposition to the military junta is intensifying. The resistance forces, supported by part of the population, are engaging in active guerrilla warfare against the army, leading to an escalation of conflict in several regions of the country.

This instability has severe consequences for the population. Thousands of people have been displaced, essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals has been destroyed, and the economy is in freefall. The country has also become a hub for organized crime, with an increase in drug trafficking and illegal activities thriving in an atmosphere of chaos.

On the international front, reactions remain mixed. While some sanctions have been imposed against military leaders, mediation efforts have struggled to achieve concrete results. Neighboring countries, particularly within ASEAN, have called for dialogue, but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to make progress toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, Myanmar’s future remains uncertain. With the intensification of repression and the rise of resistance movements, the country seems to be sinking into a prolonged conflict, with increasingly alarming humanitarian consequences.

Education in Laos : current situation

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.