Despite movements to fight illiteracy in Laos, the number of illiterates in 1997 remains around 300,000 which represents 27% of people in the 15-40 age group. Concentrated Language Encounter (CLE) techniques were adapted for teaching reading and writing in the Lao language. A pilot project implemented CLE techniques at nine pilot schools in two provinces. Due to this process, 17 district pedagogical advisors were acquainted with ways to follow up learning activities and another 17 grade one teachers were trained to use the "Starter books" and to implement all five phases of the CLE model. Preliminary results indicate that CLE teaching methods enable learners to be more active and to develop language skills: they tell stories to family members and friends; they begin to read words, phrases, and sentences; they draw and color pictures corresponding to concepts of the text; they role play and make "big books"; and they express their interest in and love for the Lao language. However, problems remained: teachers's basic competency is low, especially their language knowledge and skills; absenteeism among ethnic minority learners due to parents' agricultural field work is high; and school facilities are insufficient. Findings suggest that CLE can contribute to improving both child and adult literacy in Laos. (RS)