The BEQUAL Education Innovation Fund (BEIF) is a program designed to encourage new thinking and new ways of working in basic education. The aim of BEIF is to work closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports and other agencies at the provincial and/or district levels to pilot new approaches to see if they are successful. The successful innovations or small scale successes can then be expanded and have positive impact on more schools and children.
In March 2017, BEQUAL launched its second call for applications for BEIF grants. 149 submissions were received, demonstrating the high level of interest shown by BEQUAL government counterparts, NGOs and NPAs in piloting new approaches to education. Each proposal was assessed for innovative thinking, quality, cost effectiveness and sustainability by a panel of experts from the Ministry of Education and Sports, BEQUAL, and the Australian Embassy.
After thorough consultations, discussions and evaluations based on BEIF guidelines, the panel decided to award grants to 11 priority projects for a total value up to AUD 817,000.
The range of activities that will be implemented by the BEIF successful projects is broad. From the creation of an audio-visual digital library of local stories from Lanten and Yao ethnic community in Luang Namtha Province to the creation of an experiential Math – Agriculture coursework to support students, their families and teachers to apply maths for improving practical rural livelihood in Saravan Province or to the creation of a subject-specific teaching in Namor district, Oudomxay Province. Each of the BEIF supported project will introduce into the delivery of basic education something new, different and inventive. The ultimate goal always being to bring a better quality education to more girls and boys in Laos.
To view the detailed list of the 11 successful projects, click on the purple tab on the right.