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Action Education in South East Asia

The intervention context

South-East Asia, a dynamic and diverse region, is making significant progress in education, while at the same time facing major challenges.. Education is a fundamental pillar of economic and social development in this region, but it varies considerably from country to country, system to system and political priority to political priority.

Promoting quality and inclusion in early childhood education and parenting in Vietnam

Laos

The Laos has undergone a major transformation in recent years, marked by steady economic growth and development initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of its population. 

Education has made great strides in recent decades, but challenges remain. Education is a declared priority for the government, which is committed to improving access to quality education, strengthening teacher training programmes and extending educational infrastructure throughout the country. Despite progress, challenges such as disparities in access between urban and rural areas persist, underlining the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms.

Laos faces multifaceted educational challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic The economic slowdown induced by the pandemic, characterised by a slowdown in trade and commerce, has had serious budgetary repercussions on national budgets, impacting on education funding.

Inflation has emerged as a major concern, leading to tighter household budgets and reduced spending on education across the country. In addition, public funding for education has steadily decreased since 2017, with education spending as a percentage of GDP decreasing to 2.1 % in 2021 and 1.7 % in the 2023 budget. 

Action education Innovative approach to early literacy and maths in Laos

In addition to these financial difficulties a severe shortage of teachers, sometimes too low a level of training for those already in post, limited access to quality educational resources and materials, particularly in rural and remote areas, and inadequate infrastructure and facilities, such as classrooms, libraries and laboratories.

Girls and women face gender discrimination and inequality, with a disproportionate burden of household chores and family responsibilities. Early marriage and high birth rates among women are widespread, contributing to persistent socio-economic challenges. 

Vietnam

Education in Vietnam is seen as an essential means of improving people's lives and contributing to the country's economic growth. Vietnamese parents often invest heavily in their children's education, making education a fundamental pillar of society. However, as in many countries, challenges remain in terms of equal access and adapting to the demands of an ever-changing global economy.

Ethnic minority children aged 0-8 face significant difficulties in accessing quality education and early childhood care. Language barriers, as many speak minority ethnic languages, hinder their ability to communicate and learn effectively at school.

In addition, limited access to resources such as educational facilities, qualified teachers and age-appropriate learning environments further restrict their opportunities. As a result, these children often lack the essential conditions necessary for school readiness, including physical health, nutrition and cognitive development.

little girl vietnam inclusiveness

Young people, particularly girls and young women in poor and isolated areas with ethnic minorities, face barriers in accessing essential information, to career guidance and the soft skills needed for employment and economic development. Limited access to quality education and lack of awareness of their rights further limit their opportunities for empowerment and participation in decision-making processes.

Vietnam has made significant progress in gender equality, however, challenges remain, such as an asymmetrical sex ratio at birth (1.12 men to one woman, UNFPA) and high rates of domestic violence (34.4 %), underlining the need for stronger legal protections and cultural change. In rural areas, traditional gender roles and cultural expectations contribute to higher rates of early marriage, low school attendance by girls and limited participation in decision-making processes. 

Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by climate change, due to its long coastline, low-lying deltas and dependence on agriculture and fishing. In addition, climate-related disasters such as typhoons, droughts and landslides are increasing in severity, displacing communities and damaging infrastructure. Vietnam's economy, public health and social stability are being severely affected.

In the face of the many crises identified, Action Education is developing projects in South-East Asia to support the most vulnerable populations towards quality education, a vector for resilience and adaptation, and an indispensable key to knowing one's rights, defending them and exercising one's citizenship.

Our projects in South-East Asia

Our areas of expertise

Action Education's main areas of intervention in South-East Asia :

  • Access and quality of education
  • Health education
  • Education for life (training and professional integration)
  • Education for sustainable development, peace and global citizenship
  • Early childhood education
  • Education in emergency and post-emergency situations
  • Education in migration situations

Testimonial

Khammee, aged 8, from Vientiane province, has been receiving a scholarship for three years. A member of the hmongAt home, Khammee speaks a language other than Lao, which makes access to education in Lao more difficult and is a reason for dropping out of school.

Khammee's parents survive on poorly paid farm work and school supplies are a luxury they cannot afford. Khammee's bursary enables them to buy a school uniform and basic teaching materials.

Tou Sacksith, headmaster of the Kahmmee school, says that these grants make all the difference to the pupils in his village. "I think that the scholarships will make it possible to extend the education of children living in poverty".He is delighted that Kahmmee is now in 3rd year.

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