On 16th July 2024, Mr. Somsy Southivong, Deputy Permanent Secretary MoES and Committee for Advanced Women, Mother and Child, Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR (MoES), and Ms. Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary for Education and Health, Australian Embassy, launched MoES’ new official Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance for Educators. The launch ceremony took place during the celebration of 69th anniversary of Lao Women’s Union Day (20 July 1955- 20 July 2024), which was followed by a three-day training workshop on child protection for educators. The trainees are teachers at Dongkhamxang Teacher Training College (TTC). During the celebration, the Chair and Co-Chair highlighted the importance of Lao Women’s Union Day and the key role that the Lao Women’s Union plays in promoting child protection and safeguarding.

Mr. Somsy Southivong said “Child protection and safeguarding is a shared priority of the Government of Lao PDR and Government of Australia. Teachers play a vital role in child protection by being pro-active, supportive, and knowledgeable about child protection. Their actions can make a significant difference in creating safe learning environments. This new Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance for Educators was developed to support teachers to fully understand child protection and provide them with access to information about referral services and reporting systems. As you all know, teachers not only facilitate their students to learn but also create a safe space for children to learn and thrive. When students feel safe, they will do well at school.”

Ms. Vanessa Hegarty said “In Australia, it is recognised that all people who work with children have a responsibility to ensure their physical and emotional safety. Australia is proud to partner with the Ministry of Education and Sports through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR (BEQUAL) program on the development and dissemination of its new official Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance for Educators and capacity building on this essential topic. The safeguarding children guide that was presented today explains the practical actions that should be taken by everyone whose work brings them into contact with children. Child protection and safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s all be role models and work together to ensure safe learning environments for our children.”