18 October 2016
Australia Delivers New English Texts for Laos
Australia has expanded further its long-standing support for the development of Laos’ workforce skills with a new package of English language teaching materials for civil servants, teachers and adult learners across the country.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Lao PDR, John Williams, today presented Minister for Education and Sports, H.E. Mme Sengdeuane Lachanthaboune, with 16,000 copies of new English language text books, as well as teachers guides and audio materials.
The new package of teaching materials was developed specifically for Laos, using a team of international and local English language experts. They replace the versions Australia provided in 2005.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Education Ministry, Ambassador Williams said the books were part of a broader Australian program to improve human resource development in Laos, a program that included local and Australian scholarships and targeted training.
“English language skills are in high demand in this region. As the global business language, and that of ASEAN, English proficiency remains vital for Laos’ socio-economic development.”
The Ambassador said the new package of teaching materials takes the learner through different levels of English, using real life examples.
“By the time students reach the 5th volume, they are being trained to participate in international forums, including ASEAN-related forums,” Williams said.
The books will be distributed to government agencies, mass organisations, provincial authorities, universities and teacher training colleges.
The teaching materials will also, for the first time, be available online from the Laos Australia Institute http://laosaustraliainstitute.org/index.php?lang=en
Media Contact:
Australia Embassy: Laos Australia Institute:
Mr Khounkham Douangphachone Ms Vannaphone Sitthirath (Kino)
[email protected] [email protected]
Phone: 021 353 800 Phone: 021 265 721-2