Local development programme equips 271 schools to strengthen children's growth monitoring

In October 2026, the Local development programme handed over growth monitoring and promotion equipment, including weighing scales and height charts, to the Provincial Education and Sport Services in the provinces of Bokeo, Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Khammouan. The equipment will subsequently be distributed to 271 target schools, ensuring that teachers have the essential tools needed to monitor children’s physical growth and development more effectively. The initiative is expected to support the early identification of potential nutrition-related concerns and to strengthen links between the education and health sectors.

Previously, teachers in the programme’s partner schools faced challenges in conducting growth monitoring activities due to a lack of appropriate equipment for measuring children’s weight and height. Without the necessary tools, teachers sometimes had to rely on alternative methods or estimates, making it difficult to obtain accurate measurements and systematically track children's physical development.

One teacher described the challenges of monitoring children's growth before the equipment was available :

This experience reflects the practical challenges faced by many teachers in rural Laos. Discussions during programme-supported training sessions confirmed this situation and highlighted the need for appropriate equipment to ensure accurate and consistent growth assessments. 

The provision of weighing scales and height charts addresses this challenge by equipping teachers with the tools they need to conduct regular growth assessments. With access to standardised equipment, teachers will be better able to measure children's weight and height, maintain accurate records throughout the school year and track changes over time more consistently.  

Teachers will also be able to identify potential concerns relating to children's growth and development that may require further attention. Where necessary, teachers can share their observations with parents and caregivers or consult relevant healthcare staff for appropriate follow-up. This helps strengthen collaboration between schools, families and health services in support of children's well-being.

The initiative is expected to improve the accuracy and consistency of growth monitoring in schools, support the early identification of potential nutrition-related concerns and strengthen links between the education and health sectors.

With the right tools in place, teachers will be better equipped to monitor children's physical growth accurately and consistently, helping to ensure that children who may need additional support are identified earlier and referred appropriately when necessary.

The Local development programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.