AirGradient community experience
UNICEF Lao PDR
A national school-based monitoring network that turned open tools, training, and public data access into practical air quality infrastructure.
Lao PDR, Southeast Asia
The community behind the measurements.
In collaboration with UNICEF Lao PDR and the Office of Innovation, AirGradient monitors were deployed across schools to create a much larger network of local, real-time air quality information. The project also focused on training teachers, students, and local officials so communities could understand the data and use it to protect health.
Schools needed reliable local air quality visibility in places where public monitoring coverage had been limited.
What the work made possible
Tools, local knowledge, and a reason to act.
The project shows how school networks can become fast, distributed public infrastructure when deployment and training are designed together.
Tools and local skills
Open monitors were deployed across schools alongside training for teachers, students, and local officials.
Understanding the evidence
The network created localised, real-time readings that schools and public partners could use as a shared evidence base.
Putting knowledge to use
Schools gained practical information for awareness, education, and protective decisions during poor air episodes.
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