By driving the adoption of inclusive education practices in Lao PDR, Tetra Tech International Development is proud to be delivering positive impacts that have made immediate differences for Lao PDR communities.
The Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), as part of its Pandemic Warriors series, recently highlighted the work of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR (BEQUAL) project, which Tetra Tech International Development implements on behalf of the Australian Government.
The BEQUAL team works in partnership with the Lao PDR Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) including by providing training and support to MoES’ Information Media Center and E-learning teams to include sign language dubbing on all BEQUAL-produced teacher training videos and documentaries.
With more than an estimated 80,000 people who are deaf or hearing impaired, but only up to 10 qualified sign language instructors, the COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the need for improved accessibility for Lao PDR’s hearing impaired community. The inclusion of Lao PDR’s own sign language in education material is a key element in providing accessible eduation for students with disabilities.
The BEQUAL project directly supports the Lao PDR Government and MoES to implement its education priorities by improving education planning, implementation, and infrastructure to ensure that local students receive a quality basic education.
You can view the ABC’s Pandemic Warriors episode here.