The second Phase of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR Program (BEQUAL Phase 2) began on 1 July 2022. BEQUAL Phase 2 builds on the successful 7-year partnership between the Government of Australia and Government of Laos with the goal that “more girls and boys of primary school-age, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, improve learning outcomes”.

BEQUAL Phase 2 continues to directly support the education priorities of the Lao Government described in the Education and Sports Sector Development Plan prepared by the Ministry of Education and Sports and is consistent with the strategic directions set out in Australia’s Education Delivery Strategy and Laos COVID-19 Development Response Plans.

In the first seven years of Phase 1 (2015-June 2022), the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR (MoES) received support from the Australian Government, co-funding from the European Union, and funding from the United States Agency for International Development.

In Phase 2 (initially July 2022-June 2026, with the possibility of a further 4-year extension), the Australian Government continues to support MoES through the BEQUAL program with a focus on primary curriculum development, teacher education and professional development, and integration of gender and inclusive education principles and practices.

BEQUAL’s program implementation is national, with a targeted additional support to educationally disadvantaged districts according to their specific needs.