Myanmar was known for academic achievements from its independence from British rule in 1948 to the early 60s. In a new era, schooling was used as a tool for nation-building, and a new program called “Creating New Life” was introduced. The curriculum encouraged innovation and creativity, with a strong emphasis on literacy and creating skilled workers.
Unfortunately, the educational system was negatively impacted by the coup d'états in 1962 and 1988. The military targeted academic spaces during the conflicts to curb student protests and uprisings. Before the military coups, nearly 90% of its population was literate, and the setback in education resulted in a high number of illiterate adults in the years following.
Myanmar continues to experience internal conflicts, with the most recent coup d'état in February 2021. The military junta and the resistance forces have again attacked schools or taken over schools to use as bases. An estimated eight million children remained out of school in 2022.
In 2023, The World Bank issued a report on the state of education in Myanmar from 2017-2022. Here are some of the key findings:
The share of the school-age population enrolled in school has declined significantly after the onset of COVID-19
There are significant disparities in access across students from different income groups at all levels of education
There is a significant gender gap exists in favor of females at the high school level
A disproportionately high share of out-of-school children reside in townships with high levels of conflict intensity
There are notable disparities in access to education across different geographical areas.
The study found that 28% of the 6 to 17-year-old children in the country are out of school. Children are more likely to be out of school if they are: Older children, poorer children, Myanmar speakers, children from female-headed households, and/or households with less educated household heads.
The main reasons for children no longer attending school include school closures and financial hardships, both of which are factors associated with disruptions caused by COVID-19 and the coups.
It is not surprising to see how lack of access and resources produce lower learning outcomes among children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. It only highlights the importance of providing targeted support to poor children.
Life for Relief and Development is committed to supporting children from underprivileged households, especially in the area of education.
The organization and implementation of the back-to-school project took place November 1-30, 2023, in Doo Pyin Village. Due to its location in a Rohingya village, it doesn’t receive any government funding, and its students need aid to continue their studies.
Two hundred students from the Doo Pyin School happily received their school kits which included: a school bag, uniform, raincoat, and a variety of stationery items such as a pen box, ruler set, pencil pack, eraser and notebooks.
Receiving the school kits gives students tools they need for school, but also sends them a message of encouragement to study earnestly. It is an answer to the prayers of students who want to learn and rise above their situation, so they can help themselves, their families, and their community.
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