A delegation from the Australian Embassy and the Ministry of Education and Sports observes the packing of textbooks for dispatch to Luang Namtha province. - VT
VIENTIANE: Primary schools in three flood-hit districts of Luang Namtha province have received 7,740 textbooks and 1,530 teacher guides from Australia to replace materials lost during severe floods in September.
The floods, triggered by Typhoon Yagi, caused widespread damage in Luang Namtha, affecting schools and destroying essential teaching materials.
In response, Australia provided immediate support, assisting the Ministry of Education and Sports to recover and replace the damaged books.
On Oct 16, Australia’s new Deputy Head of Mission, enita Sommerville, and Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Dr Samlane Phankhavong, handed over the learning materials to provincial authorities at the Ministry’s printing house.
Dr Samlane praised the Australian government’s swift response, saying “The Ministry of Education and Sports, together with provincial authorities, took urgent action after the storm to clean up mud and debris and ensure schools were safe for students to return.”
“However, the damage to textbooks and documents was severe. Replacing these materials is now our priority, so that classes can fully resume,” he said.
Sommerville expressed her gratitude at being part of the recovery efforts.
“I am honoured to see the books being printed and sent to ensure that teachers can continue their lessons and students can keep learning despite the difficulties,” she said.
The recent floods affected 1,800 primary school students and teachers at 17 schools in Namtha, Nalae and Sing districts.
Textbooks, teaching materials, desks, and other school equipment were damaged beyond repair, according to the Disaster Management Taskforce of the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Australia’s support for this recovery effort includes the provision of 7,740 textbooks and 1,530 teacher guides valued at 330,632,400 kip (approximately AUD22,500).
These materials cover key subjects including Lao language, moral education, science and the environment, English, social studies, arts and handicrafts, music, and physical education for grades one to five.
Australia’s new Deputy Head of Mission further stated that once the full impact of the floods is assessed, Australia will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Sports to provide additional support in replenishing damaged learning materials across all affected areas. - Vientiane Times/ANN
