Outlook
Education in Laos
Education constitutes a fundamental pillar in the progress of any nation. In the context of developing countries like Laos, the education system encounters numerous challenges due to its limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and disparities between urban and rural areas. These obstacles hinder equitable access to education, retracting the overall development potential of the country. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure that every child in Laos has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the nation's growth.
Low Tertiary enrollment
According to the UNFPA, in 2019, the tertiary enrollment in Laos is 19%; whereas in other countries in the region such as Thailand, the tertiary enrollment is 44.85%.
Drop-Out Prevalence
Laos has witnessed a concerning rise in dropout rates, with a staggering increase of 157% over a span of four years, as reported by the UNFPA. In 2014, approximately 25,400 children dropped out of school, while in 2018, that number surged to around 65,400. Similarly, for adolescents, the figures rose from around 111,200 dropouts in 2014 to 145,450 dropouts in 2018, marking a significant increase of 34,250 students within the same period. This alarming dropout rates among children and adolescents can be attributed to a range of factors, including socio-economic challenges, cultural barriers, and the pervasive impact of poverty. Addressing these multifaceted issues is crucial to ensure that every child and adolescent in Laos has the opportunity to receive a quality education and pursue a brighter future.
Access in Education
As of 2023, approximately 62.1% of Laos' population resides in rural areas. For individuals living in these rural communities, accessing education poses considerable difficulties, primarily due to the need to travel long distances to reach the nearest school. This geographical barrier presents challenges in terms of both affordability and logistics, as the cost and time required for transportation can be burdensome.
Gender Inequality
Laotian girls often face additional barriers to education. Traditional gender roles and cultural norms may prioritize boys’ education over girls’, leading to higher dropout rates among girls. Early marriage and pregnancies also contribute to girls leaving school prematurely.
Overall, Lao PDR has an adult literacy rate of 84.7%, and 92.5% for youth literacy rate. (According to UNESCO 2015). A close study in this group shows that 90% of them are male and 79,4% of them are female.
Quality of Education
The quality of education in Laos may be inadequate, with limited resources, poorly trained teachers and outdated teaching methods. A lack of engaging and relevant learning opportunities can demotivate children and lead to disinterest in continuing their education.