Vietnam to pilot Lao language classes at 2 border boarding schools

The province, which borders Laos to the west, recently issued a plan to pilot Lao as a second foreign language at selected schools in border communes.

The program will run from 2026 to 2031, with a vision toward 2035.

The initial rollout will take place at the Dakrong Elementary and Middle School and the Dan Hoa Elementary and Middle School.

During the 2026-27 school year, the schools will focus on teacher training, facilities preparation, and curriculum development for the Lao language program.

The pilot program is scheduled to begin in the 2027-28 school year, with two grade-6 classes at each school.

In the 2028-29 school year, the province plans to extend the pilot to grade-7 students while introducing Lao classes to all sixth graders at the two schools.

By the 2030-31 school year, it is expected to cover a pilot group of ninth graders, while Lao will be taught to all eighth graders at the two schools.

After the pilot period, the province will assess the results and report to the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training to consider a broader rollout.

Apart from language teaching, Quang Tri will promote cultural exchange and learning about Lao customs and traditions at four elementary and middle boarding schools in the border communes of Dan Hoa, Thuong Trach, Huong Phung, and Dakrong, beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

The schools will work with border guard stations and local authorities to organize educational, cultural and sports activities, as well as exchanges between communities.

They will also develop a ‘School twinning and border exchange’ model with counterpart schools in the Lao provinces of Sekong, Salavan, Savannakhet, and Khammouane.

To meet staffing needs, the province will train teachers with Lao language skills, and consider recruiting qualified Lao nationals and Lao alumni who studied in Vietnam.

Border guard personnel, Lao students studying in Vietnam, and other Lao speakers may also be mobilized to help students practice conversations, experience the language in real-life settings, and participate in cultural exchanges.

Both selected schools are currently receiving investment to improve educational and residential facilities for students from border areas.

With a total investment of VND220.9 billion (US$8.5 million), the Dakrong Elementary and Middle School covers 6.46 hectares and is designed to accommodate 1,021 students.

The Dan Hoa Elementary and Middle School has a total investment of VND285 billion ($11 million), covers approximately 9.67 hectares, and is expected to serve 910 students.