Mdg 2 - Achieve universal primary education

NARRATOR: This school in a remote area of Laos is one of many benefiting from an education program aimed at increasing the number of children, particularly girls, enrolled in school. (TEACHER SPEAKS LAO) We can see that now there are more and more girls in school. That's very impressive, that the parents can realise that education is so important for their children. (CHILDREN SING) NARRATOR: Australia has funded the construction of new schools as well as a comprehensive teacher education program to improve the standard of education across the country, particularly in remote areas. (SPEAKS LAO) TRANSLATION: It is important that they now can learn to read and write. When I started teaching, they couldn't read and write and speak Lao, but since, their reading and writing has improved. They feel more motivated to come to school. (SPEAKS LAO) TRANSLATION: Yes, it has been easier for the village to encourage kids to come to school, and kids are willing to come to school, because they like the new building. (SPEAKS LAO) NARRATOR: There are also innovative support programs aimed at keeping the children in school, such as providing nutritious snacks, training teachers in child-centred training techniques and grants to schools. Significantly, education can contribute a lot of support to poor families. I think education is the key for their success in the future. As schools are built, teachers are trained, curriculum is developed, those interventions will help.