Mr. Soukanxai Phongsavanh along with Trainers from MoES opened the training. Photo by BEQUAL

(KPL) The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) with support from the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, is delivering new training sessions on Child Protection and Safeguarding across three Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). This initiative reflects the Ministry and Australia’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in the education system.

The new round of training, conducted in July and August 2025, targeted 737 upgrading students currently enrolled in programs at Kangkhai TTC, Savannakhet TTC, and Luang Namtha TTC. These students are primary teachers who are attending these courses to enhance their professional qualifications. They will then return to their schools armed with new knowledge and skills.

Gallery Walk - Exploring our understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding. Photo by BEQUAL

Building on the success and reinforcing the messages of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance for Educators, launched by MoES in July 2024, the guidance was developed under the leadership of the Ministry’s Division of Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (MDAW). It is supported by Australia, has been widely disseminated and remains a central tool in helping teachers foster safe learning environments.

Ms Vongdeuane Osay, Director General, Department of Teacher Education said “Teachers play a vital role in child protection by being proactive, offering support, and understanding their responsibilities. The learning environment they create directly impacts students’ safety and well-being. When children feel secure, they are more likely to succeed in school.”

Gallery Walk - Sharing ideas on Child Protection and Safeguarding.Photo by BEQUAL

Ms Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary, Australian Embassy, highlighted the ongoing collaboration: “When working with children, we share the duty to protect their physical and emotional well-being. We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Sports through the BEQUAL program to support the development of the official Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance for Educators, as well as training teachers on this vital issue.”

The 2025 training sessions were led by a team of seventeen trainers from the Gender Equity and Inclusive Education (GE&IE) Core Teams of the three TTCs. In addition to raising awareness among the upgrading students, the sessions served as a valuable opportunity to pilot the new Child Protection and Safeguarding Trainer Handbook and build the facilitation skills of the GE&IE Core Teams.

Group discussion for participants to discuss on the challenges of child protection. Photo by BEQUAL

Ms Vongdeuane Osay added “This training helps teachers clearly understand their roles in safeguarding and provides them with essential information on how to report concerns and access referral services. It also serves as a valuable opportunity to trial the new Child Protection and Safeguarding Trainer Handbook. Based on the feedback, we will revise the materials as needed before training more widely.”

More than 300 Teacher Students and 16 trainers fro, TTC and MoES particpated in this Child Protection Training. Photo by BEQUAL 

The two-day interactive workshops hosted by each TTC used games, role-plays, case studies, and group discussions to actively engage participants. Trainees explored key child protection concepts including respectful communication, safe and inclusive classroom practices, the responsible use of electronic media, and the identification and prevention of abuse, exploitation, and harassment. Sensitive topics such as the use of alcohol and drugs, the filming and photographing of children, and awareness of inclusive behaviors were addressed in a culturally respectful manner.

Brainstorming challenges children face in the community. Photo by BEQUAL

As the education sector in the Lao PDR continues to evolve, the commitment to protecting and supporting children remains a shared priority. This latest training reinforces the importance of embedding child safeguarding in every classroom and ensuring that all teachers, whether new or experienced, are equipped to build safe and respectful learning environments.

Ms Vanessa Hegarty concluded “Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We hope the Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance will remain a key resource for teachers and all educators working with children, helping to build safe and inclusive learning spaces. Our collaboration with MoES and the BEQUAL program will continue to focus on ensuring these principles are embedded throughout the education system.”

KPL