More about the 2008 Laos Program

About Laos

The People's Democratic Republic of Laos is a landlocked country in South East Asia, bordered to the north by China and to the South by Thailand. It covers an area slightly larger than Great Britain of which 70 percent is mountainous terrain. The World Bank classifies Laos as the poorest and least developed country in East Asia and one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Average per capita income is US$320. The countries greatest barriers to human development are malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare and education, especially in rural regions.

Education in Laos

Laos began to build elementary and secondary schools and develop a formal education system with the help of the U.S. government in 1955. The general education system in Laos is comprised of pre-school and kindergarten, a primary education of five years, a lower secondary education of three years and an upper secondary education of three years. Despite initial struggles in the 50's, 60's and 70's Laos¿ school system began to make steady improvements in the late 80s. Laos' education system continues to improve by increasing student enrollment, employing more teachers, and providing greater access to education for those in rural areas. The rural sector, however, remains extremely poor and continues to be set back by shortages of teachers, inadequate curricula, dilapidated facilities and lack of teaching equipment and supplies. Only 71% of children are enrolled in primary school and a mere 2% complete an upper secondary education. The current literacy rate is 50%. Funding and investment are most urgently needed at the primary school level where children learn to read and do basic math. Virtually no economic opportunities beyond subsistence farming exist for those who cannot read or write, however the economic outlook for those who finish a basic education is improved and especially for those who learn to speak French or English.

The IMF and World Bank jointly believe that a better education system is the first step for Laos on the road to greater overall economic growth. Furthermore, both these international organizations have overwhelmingly demonstrated overall economic growth as the most of effective means of poverty reduction and the number one strategy for improving the quality of life in poor areas of the world. The return to education in Laos remains very high and foreign aid in the country, especially as it relates to investment in education, is certainly worthwhile.