Preparations are underway to expand Mon language instruction to Grades 4 and 5 across basic education schools in Mon State starting next academic year, according to members of the Mon Literature and Culture Committee.
The initiative follows an August 26 meeting between officials from the military administration’s Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, the Department of Education and Ethnic Literature and Culture, the Mon National Education Committee, a Mon political party, and local literature and culture representatives to address Mon language education policy and regional schooling needs.
As part of the rollout, the Mon Literature and Culture Committee will conduct township-by-township assessments throughout September. The survey will evaluate current classroom conditions, student enrollment, faculty counts, and resource shortages across the state.
“As instruction progresses, we will make necessary adjustments to address emerging gaps,” a committee member said. “Our team will initially conduct consultations across all village tracts in Mawlamyine Township.”
While select schools with adequate faculty have already launched Mon language classes for Grades 4 and 5, widespread expansion is facing significant staff shortages.
According to committee members, no new Teaching Assistants (TA) or Language Teachers (LT) applied during the current academic year, primarily due to low incentives and lack of benefits.
To address the shortage, local Mon literature and culture organizations are mobilizing community teachers and attempting to supplement salaries and benefits through local fundraising. However, recruitment remains hampered by administrative delays between the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, which oversees teacher appointments, and the Ministry of Education, which grants teaching authorization.
The upcoming Grade 4 and 5 courses will utilize Mon language textbooks and curricula originally developed in 2010. The committee is coordinating with the Department of Education to resolve ongoing textbook shortages before the new school term.
Mon ethnic language instruction is currently offered at basic education schools across six townships in Mon State: Paung, Chaungzon, Kyaikmaraw, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, and Ye.
