Due to the conflict in Kyone Laung, Ye Township, Mon State, some Mon national schools and basic education schools that had been closed have reopened. However, students who are still displaced and unable to return to school are receiving education in monasteries and other safe locations.
Three Mon national primary schools in Wai Zin, Dhamma Pala, and Wai Paung villages and two basic education primary schools in Kyone Laung and Kyauk Mi Chaung villages were forced to close due to the conflict that began on January 10. As a result, over 400 students were displaced.
While the Mon national schools in Wai Zin and Dhamma Pala have reopened, displaced students are being taught by Mon national school teachers and responsible officials at Wai Zin Monastery and other safe locations.
A Mon national school teacher stated that preparations are underway for students to take their year-end exams at these temporary learning sites.
"When we first reopened, there were no students. Over 80 students have returned to school in Dhamma Pala and Wai Zin. Additionally, around 60 students from Wai Paung are being taught at Wai Zin Monastery, where they will also take their exams," she said.
Meanwhile, since the basic education primary schools in Kyone Laung and Kyauk Mi Chaung remain closed, township education officials have allowed displaced students to continue their studies at any nearby safe basic education school.
"Parents, students, and teachers are all worried. We still hear the sounds of artillery fire frequently. We are anxious about whether the students can take their exams properly," a parent expressed.
However, according to school officials, some students who fled with their families to forests, mountains near Ye Chaung Phyar, or the Thai-Myanmar border near Three Pagodas Pass remain unreachable.
Since January 9, intense fighting has occurred daily in the eastern part of Ye Township. Local sources report that resistance forces have recently retreated, while the military junta has advanced into New Mon State Party-controlled areas.
Additionally, the Kyone Laung-Ye road remains restricted for food transportation, and military forces stationed in Ye continue to shell the area with artillery fire almost daily.
