Only a handful of students attending Mon National Schools in areas controlled by the New Mon State Party (NMSP) graduated this year.
Min Aung Zay, head of Mon National Education Committee (MNEC), said 144 students from 3 schools took their matriculation exam for the 2019-2020 academic year, but only 12 received passing grades. He blamed the drop in graduating students this year compared to previous years on a "weakness within the schools' administration."
"Teachers have less experience. Some haven't finished their studies for their first degree," he said.
Min Aung Zay told NMG they will discuss how to improve test scores in the following academic years. "We will invite school principals who have retired and the head of the education department to draw up a new strategy to increase the pass rate."
In Mon State, MNEC administers Nyi Sar High School, Yay Chaung Phyar, and Winkapar High School and Ann Din High School in Ye Township. In Karen State, it oversees Winkapar High School in Kyar-In-Seik-Gyi Township. Most of the classes are taught in the students' mother tongue.
Senior high school students have been allowed to take their matriculation examination in areas controlled by the NMSP since the ethnic armed organization signed a ceasefire agreement with the military government in 1996.
There are over 10,000 students attending 133 schools, including the three Mon National High Schools in NMSP's area. In addition, 14,000 students study at 92 Mon National Schools attached to government schools.
About 780 teachers are employed by Mon schools. The other schools are located in Thanphyu, Zayap, Kyaikmayaw and Ye townships in Mon State. In Karen State, they are located in Hpa-an and Kyawkareik. And Tananthari Region there are schools in Yayphyu Township.
