By Jar Seng / MPA
In Rakhine State, the majority of school-aged children are losing access to education, according to their parents.
Since the resumption of clashes in Rakhine State in November 2023, children in areas controlled by the Arakha Army (AA) and those still under the control of the military council have faced significant challenges in accessing basic education.
Local residents report that most schools in towns under AA control remain closed due to frequent airstrikes by military council jets.
“In Ponnagyun, schools have been closed for security reasons. We are trying to teach the school-aged children as best we can,” said a representative from the Ponnagyun Youth Association.
There are around 60,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ponnagyun, who fled due to fear of airstrikes. The source further explained that they are also providing mental health support and educational services to displaced children.
In addition to the resumed conflict, locals in Rakhine State are facing struggles in making a living, rising prices, and insecurity due to the military council’s airstrikes, which threaten their lives and homes.
“I am paying a teacher in our ward 10,000 kyats per month for my son’s private tuition. The ULA/AA have instructed us to open local schools where possible, but regular schooling is not feasible,” a resident of Mrauk-U township said,
Similarly, a mother from Mrauk-U who earns a bare living said, “There’s no income, and I have no job. I can’t afford to send my child to private classes, and even if I did, my child wouldn’t attend regularly. Instead of going to school, my child helps with household chores.”
Since November 2023, more than 1,000 people have died in Rakhine State as a result of frequent airstrikes targeted on innocent civilians and public gatherings by the military council that encounters significant military losses in the region, according to reports from civil society organizations and the AA announcements.
Regarding the loss of education access for children in Rakhine State, AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said in a June 2024 press conference that schools could not be opened due to airstrike risks and security concerns.
AA controls Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Kyauk Taw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Thandwe, Ramree in Rakhine, and Paletwa in Chin State, with administration apparatus functioning but locals point out the weakness in providing adequate educational services.
“It is true that the people of Rakhine are facing tough challenges. If this continues, education will decline, and there will be long-term weaknesses in nation-building. The ULA/AA needs to take more action in this regard,” said an activist from Rakhine State.
Since the resumption of conflict in November 2023, over 600,000 people have been displaced, and ULA/AA has called for local and international organizations to provide humanitarian aid.