Vientiane: The Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR (MoES), with support from the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, began filming the fourth episode of the national Education Promotion campaign this week. Led by the Research Institute for Educational Sciences (RIES) and produced by RIES’ Information Media Center (IMC), the episode titled ‘The Village That Supported Education’ highlights a compelling, community-driven response to declining school attendance and demonstrates how collective action can help secure brighter futures for children. Mrs. Daravone Kittiphanh, Vice Minister of Education and Sports, visited the filming set on the first day to observe the production process and encourage the team. She reaffirmed the significance of the campaign in transforming perceptions of education.

According to Lao News Agency, Mrs. Daravone expressed that the campaign is about building a shared vision where community involvement in education leads to stronger national growth. The storyline centers on three children whose lives are transformed after their village champions education. The narrative shows how the village’s collective action, such as repairing the school and supporting children’s learning, leads to long-term benefits. The episode concludes with the children growing into successful professionals, illustrating the impact of community-driven education initiatives.

Ms. Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy, emphasized Australia’s pride in supporting the campaign, noting its role in showcasing practical ways to keep children in school. The filming is taking place in various village locations, and the community’s participation has been enthusiastic, with numerous volunteers involved. The production team worked closely with education authorities to ensure inclusivity and realistic portrayals, including gender-equitable roles and disability representation.

The Education Promotion campaign consists of four videos aimed at reshaping perceptions of schooling’s value. The first two episodes have already been broadcast on television and shared widely on social media. Mrs. Daravone concluded by acknowledging the Australian Government’s support through the BEQUAL program, which provides hands-on training in various aspects of production. The Ministry looks forward to releasing the final episode and continuing the nationwide dialogue on education’s importance for every child in Laos.