VIENTIANE, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Lao National Assembly members have expressed concern over increasing school dropout rates and the shortage of teachers both in Lao capital Vientiane and rural areas, and called on the Lao government to urgently solve the problem.
The dropout rate in secondary schools has doubled, representing the Vientiane constituency, Kethmany Yandasack said, with the main reason being the increasing financial hardship suffered by many families, who can no longer afford to pay school fees, Lao national TV reported on Thursday.
Many secondary school students have given up their studies to seek work, so they can earn money to help support their families as household budgets become increasingly stretched.
Schools are also suffering from a shortage of teachers, with many leaving to enter other professions or retire, and many schools in the Lao capital have reached a crisis point, according to the report.
Kethmany asked the government to resolve this problem, saying that standards of education are falling as a result.
She also asked the government to tackle the issue of volunteer teachers, saying that if more volunteer teachers resign it will exacerbate the teacher shortage in both the public and private sectors.
Education authorities will implement the decree on the provision of allowances and dormitories for poor and disadvantaged students.
Changes will be made to the national curriculum so that the content is appropriate and consistent with students' needs and interests.
The government has recommended that tuition fees be waived for priority and need-based subjects, which has already been implemented in some subjects.
To promote vocational and higher education, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and businesses will play a greater role in training young people and providing them with practical job skills.
All sectors must cooperate to develop professional standards and create a dual cooperative education system, focusing on practical learning at factories.
The Lao government is also seeking solutions to issues relating to volunteer teachers and the overall teacher shortage, and formulating special policies for teachers in rural areas. ■
