Foreword from The Minister

Ensuring the people of Lao PDR have better education opportunities is vitally important if the country is to play its rightful role in global affairs and regional economic development. Increasing the supply of quality secondary and post-secondary graduates is also critical if Lao PDR is going to be competitive in an increasingly knowledge based and service oriented society and economy.

The EFA Mid Decade Assessment highlights that significant progress has been made over the past decade. However, more needs to be done. The National Education System Reform Strategy sets out broad priorities, focusing on increased access to education, eliminating a number of access barriers and measures to improve and assure education quality and standards. The Education Law of 2007 underpins these priorities, with an emphasis on strengthening governance and accountability systems.

The Education Sector Development Framework (ESDF) constitutes another important milestone in Lao PDRs education reform. It is expected that the ESDF will set out a rolling program for implementing agreed strategic priorities. It is further anticipated that future annual sector performance reviews will form a basis for tracking progress, making adjustments and negotiation within Government and the international community on securing appropriate resources.

As Minister, I am fully committed to leading this important ESDF formulation process and working with development partners and other stakeholders in ensuring timely completion of the ESDF and associated planning documents. It is within this spirit of partnership that I feel confident of success.

Yours Sincerely

Samkot Mangnormek

Minister for Education