14 March 2024, Vientiane – At a local school in Vientiane, High-Level Representatives of the European Union, Government and UNICEF celebrated the groundbreaking success of Khang Panya Lao, Lao PDR's premiere digital learning platform, highlighting the fruitful partnership aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through better data management, monitoring, and policy-making.

The event was attended by European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, the Lao Minister for Education and Sports, H.E. Ms. Ina Marčiulionytė, the European Union Ambassador to Lao PDR, and Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, the UNICEF Representative to Lao PDR. 

During the visit, Commissioner Urpilainen presented tablets to the Minister of Education and Sports and the school, showcasing the transformative impact of digital education tools in enriching learning for both students and teachers.

European Commissioner Urpilainen praised the initiative, stating, "This premiere digital learning platform Khang Panya Lao exemplifies how collaboration and innovation can address the challenges faced by learners and educators. It is heartening to see such progress in Lao PDR in partnership with the European Union, contributing to the development of a resilient and inclusive educational system in line with the country priorities and the EU Global Gateway investment strategy."

Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Education and Sports to mitigate COVID-19's impact on education, Khang Panya Lao now has over 140,000 registered users. This EU-supported initiative under the EU budget support programme, a part of UNICEF's Learning Passport programme created with Microsoft, ensures continuous education for pre-primary through Grade 12 and improves digital literacy among students and educators. 

His Excellency the Minister of Education and Sports Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong highlighted the platform's role in bridging the digital divide, "Khang Panya Lao is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to quality education. We are grateful for the support of our partners in making this vision a reality."

The Learning Passport, recognized as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2021 and a finalist for Education and Developing-World Technology in Fast Company's 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards, has demonstrated its potential as a scalable solution to the global challenge of educational continuity and quality improvement as well as skills development.

Dr. Rebello Britto reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting educational innovations to ensure strong learning outcomes for children, "The success of Khang Panya Lao is a clear indication of the power of partnership and technology in leveraging the science of learning from pre-primary to secondary school to enhance educational outcomes. UNICEF is proud to be part of this transformation in education that has the potential to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive."

The visit celebrates the collective achievements in advancing digital education in Lao PDR and sets a positive trajectory for further innovations in learning, aiming to empower future generations with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

BACKGROUND:

EU Global Gateway: This is the new strategy of the EU that was initiated in 2021. It stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet. It helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains.

Contact details:

For more information about this Press Release, please contact EU Delegation to Lao PDR at delegation-laos@eeas.europa.eu or 021 255 575.