Xiangkhouang: A high-level delegation led by Mrs. Daravone Kittiphanh, Vice Minister of Education and Sports (MoES) of Lao PDR, and Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Ambassador at the Australian Embassy, visited Xiangkhouang Province from 10-12 December to review progress in improving teaching quality and promoting inclusive classroom practices. The visit highlighted the school-based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system and the new Grade 1 Spoken Lao approach being implemented with Australian support through the BEQUAL program. The delegation observed how these two initiatives are beginning to transform teaching and learning across the country.According to Lao News Agency, the visit began with a briefing by leadership and pedagogical support staff from Khangkhai Teacher Training College (TTC) and the Xiangkhouang Provincial Education and Sports Services (PESS) on the design and implementation of the CPD system. Discussions focused on system performance, sustainability, and the policy actions requir ed to institutionalise the CPD system nationwide.The delegation then visited two primary schools, where they met District Education and Sports Bureau (DESB) staff, Internal Pedagogical Support (IPS) providers, school principals, and teachers. They explored how the CPD system supports improved teaching practice and increased student engagement. Conversations with teachers and pedagogical support providers confirmed that practical, regular support through coaching, mentoring, and structured professional development activities is strengthening day-to-day teaching.Mrs. Daravone Kittiphanh emphasized the importance of strong teacher support systems in sustaining improvements in learning. She noted that investing in an organised, school-based CPD system and building capacity at the sub-national level ensures teachers receive regular mentoring and practical guidance, which in turn benefits students, especially those in remote areas or from non-Lao-speaking backgrounds.Ms. Benita Sommerville highlighted Austral ia's partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports through BEQUAL, which aims to establish a nationwide system enabling teachers to continue learning and growing in their profession. The progress observed in Xiangkhouang demonstrates that this approach delivers real benefits and is a worthwhile investment in the future of the Lao PDR.During the school visits, the delegation observed how school-level IPS providers, working in collaboration with TTCs and DESB staff, deliver regular, practical, and tailored CPD support to teachers. Support is provided through classroom observations, formal and informal discussions, co-teaching, remote check-ins, and WhatsApp messaging, often using resources such as Teacher Support Pack modules and Teacher Development Videos. Assistance is adapted to each teacher's needs, allowing them to apply new skills immediately, which leads to improved teaching quality and better learning outcomes for students.Ms. Sommerville noted the central themes of gender equality, disabili ty equity and rights, and social inclusion throughout the visit, praising the strong representation of women among pedagogical support providers. Empowering female educators is contributing to creating more responsive and inclusive learning environments.The delegation also observed a Grade 1 Spoken Lao lesson, which supports early oral language development essential for building literacy skills and full classroom participation. Introduced nationally in September 2024 following positive pilot results, Spoken Lao helps children who begin school speaking a home language other than Lao to engage in lessons and access the curriculum.Mrs. Daravone highlighted the collaboration between MoES and Australia in strengthening Lao language skills for students who start school without sufficient Lao language ability. The success of the Grade 1 implementation has led to the development of Grade 2 lessons with support from the Australian Government.Ms. Sommerville remarked on the success of the Spoken Lao approach, emp hasizing its role in narrowing early language learning gaps, ensuring that every child, regardless of language background, can learn and thrive. The shared aim is clear: no child should be left behind.The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Governments of the Lao PDR and Australia to sustaining investments in teacher development and inclusive classroom approaches. Both governments agreed that the evidence of growing teacher capacity and positive classroom change makes a strong case for continued support. Mrs. Daravone and Ms. Sommerville concluded that education is an investment with significant returns for children, communities, and the nation.BEQUAL is a program led by the Lao Government with support from the Australian Government and the United States Government. The program focuses on improving educational outcomes for the nation's youth, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and inclusive education across all activities.