In Rakhine State, approximately 2300 out of a total of nearly 2830 basic education schools across 14 townships, including areas affected by the ongoing conflicts between the Military Council and the Arakan Army (AA), have been temporarily shut down.
Due to ongoing clashes, schools in Pauktaw, Mrauk-U, Ramree, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, and Minbya townships have been compelled to shut down. Furthermore, a majority of schools in Kyaukphyu, Taungup, Myebon, Ann, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Sittwe townships are also temporarily closed.
"Because of the regional instabilities, schools are closed, and upcoming exams are uncertain. If students fail the class test this school year, it could seriously affect their education, with a risk of some children becoming disconnected and alienated from the educational system”, a war-displaced teacher from Pauktaw Township said.
As per the Rakhine State Department of Education, among the 186 basic education schools in Pauktaw Township, only certain schools in villages around Myengu Island can open.
In Mrauk-U, where the clashes are intense, nearly all residents have been evacuated, leading to a disruption in children's education. All 244 basic education schools in Mrauk-U are closed due to the current military situation.
"As war-displaced individuals, we're uncertain about how long our suffering will last. In the past, schools closed because of pandemic and political situations. I hope there won't be further harm to children's education”, a mother from Mrauk-U told DMG.
Furthermore, conflict erupted in Ramree on December 18th, leading to the evacuation of residents and the closure of schools.
Despite the Rakhine State Department of Education's directive in November to resume normal operations for all schools in Rakhine State, closures occurred in six townships due to intense clashes. In the remaining eight townships, schools were also shut down due to security concerns arising from the military situation.
"With the fighting, everyone had to run for safety, and most schools were closed. It would be good if education authorities could do something for the education of children affected by the war”, a parent from Ramree suggested.
According to the Department of Education's statistics, Rakhine State comprises over 3100 basic education schools, accommodating a total of 534700 students in the current academic year.
When DMG reached out to U Ba Htwee Sein, the head of the Rakhine State Department of Education, regarding the arrangements made for education access for war-displaced children, he stated that he was not authorized to provide a response.
Due to the military conflicts, more than 4 million children in Myanmar have been deprived of their right to education and have become targets in the ongoing conflicts, jeopardizing their basic rights, according to UNICEF Myanmar.
UNICEF also warned that disruptions in education not only impede children's learning and aspirations but also pose significant risks to a country's future economic productivity.
