The education system here is struggling with minimal resources to cope and keep pace with developmental needs. It’s hard to know where problems should be tackled first. Many teaching graduates refuse to take up remote postings having become accustomed to the comforts of city living. Sometimes, to deal with the problem, the village appoints the best educated local person, or anyone who can be spared, to be the teacher. They themselves may have had only 3 years education.

No government employee earns a living wage, so even if salaries are paid, these people also need to grow their own food or generate income another way. Many ‘trained’ teachers lack the basic skills and knowledge needed, yet they have passed their own secondary schooling and at least three years of teacher training.  Many other university graduates accept teaching positions without any training, because there are virtually no jobs for graduates in many fields.

In schools here, classrooms are often crowded and ill equipped. It is not remarkable if students have to stand because there are insufficient tables and benches. Can you imagine trying to learn in or teach a class of 80 students, with a worn blackboard and a handful of badly printed textbooks? This is just as true in the city as in more remote areas.

Please pray

• Pray for the teachers of Laos – they would be encouraged in their work and influential responsibility even though their pay is often inadequate and their resources often minimal.
• Pray for the children and young people of Laos – most of whom do not have opportunity for a good basic education.
• Pray for good Lao literature to be developed and made available.