BEQUAL Phase 1 Independent End of Program Review Report and Management Response

Summary of publication

This independent review is of the AUD 80 million, Phase 1 of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR Program (BEQUAL). BEQUAL commenced in May 2015 with the goal of “more boys and girls of primary school-age, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, achieve functional literacy and numeracy.”

The review found that BEQUAL Phase 1 is a flexible and adaptive program that has responded strategically to major changes in context and priorities, while maintaining the quality and relevance of support to the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES). The program has made substantial achievements, most notably the development and implementation of modern national primary curricula for core subjects (Grades 1-4) and the development of a new teacher training system.

Post agrees with most recommendations from the review In the Management Response. The Management Response outlines clear actions to be undertaken by DFAT, MoES and the BEQUAL implementation team in Phase 2 of BEQUAL.