Vientiane, 1 November 2021(TDI): Lao Ministries of Education and Sports (MoES) and Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) along with UNICEF launched the second season of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) TV series. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the European Union (EU), and USAID also collaborated for the venture.
The TV series “My House” is popular amongst Lao children. It aims to promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in children. Aside from that, it will also help with learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual event was at the MoES ICT Centre. It was co-chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports, Vice Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, and UNICEF Representative.
The launch of the season is apposite as families and children in Lao continue to experience disruption due to the pandemic, including school closures.
Dr. Sisouk Vongvichit, the Vice Minister of Education and Sports lauded the timely launch and said that he was optimistic about children’s learning through the program.
The second season has 12 episodes with sign language interpretation. It incorporates messages around COVID-19 prevention and control, including hygiene practices, alongside fun learning activities. The activities are based on basic knowledge, such as alphabets, colors, numbers, shapes, and other similar topics to facilitate the readiness of children for school.
The series will broadcast through Lao National TV and social media. It contains Lao story context, characters music, and animation. Aside from the TV series, 12 storybooks were also launched by the Ministry of Education and Sports. They will become part of the curriculum of early childhood education centers, pre-primary classes, and Grades 1 and 2 classes; with the support of UNICEF and other partners.
