On January 30, 2026, the Center for Non-Formal Education Development (NFDE), under the leadership of the Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), in cooperation with DVV International, held a meeting to launch a pilot program using the EdApp application. The application will be used for supplementary instruction at the upper secondary level in provinces that are ready for implementation. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Dokeo Phonethachit, Director General of the Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education and Sports. Participants included representatives from relevant departments of the Ministry of Education and Sports, such as the Research Institute for Educational Sciences, the Information and Communication Technology for Education and Sports, the Northern and Southern Non-Formal Education Centers, the Faculty of Education, National University of Laos, the National College of Arts, the Southeast Asian Community Education Development Centre (SEAMEO CED), UNESCO, Swisscontact, LuxDeV, and the Australian Embassy.
Under the supervision of the Department of Non-Formal Education, the Center for Non-Formal Education Development, and DVV International, the EdApp application was developed as a tool for online learning to complement classroom-based learning in the upper secondary education system. The application includes lesson content for ten subjects across the three grade level (Years 5-7), foundational sub-courses on various topics, and other supplementary learning resources in non-formal education.
The EdApp application was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted educational systems across the region and prevented many learners from attending school.This impacted the quality of education negatively in both the short and long term. Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Sports, particularly the Department of Non-Formal Education and the Non-Formal Education Development Center, has developed new tools and methods of teaching and learning addressing these challenges.
The official launch of the application marks a significant milestone for the non-formal education sector. It supports the implementation of equivalent teaching and learning activities and serves as a valuable resource for learners in non-formal education. Furthermore, the application strengthens the capacity of teachers at non-formal education development centers to manage and deliver online learning.
During the ceremony, the Director of the Department of Non-Formal Education congratulated all stakeholders on this achievement and expressed the hope that the integrated learning approach would expand throughout Laos and become an important tool in promoting lifelong learning skills. The regional director of DVV International, Mr. Uwe Gartenschlaeger highlighted that EdApp responds to the needs of learners in non-formal education, particular those who lack full access to formal education, and creates new opportunities for access to education, as well as share experiences and outcomes from successful collaborations.
DVV International is the International Institute of the German Adult Education Association (DVV). As leading professional organization in the field of adult education and development, DVV International committed itself to supporting lifelong learning for more than 50 years. In Lao PDR, DVV International has been cooperating with the Department of Non-Formal Education of the Ministry of Education and Sports since 2009.
For presentations and photo HERE