The Mon National Education Committee (MNEC) reports a rise in student dropouts compared to previous years, resulting in a decline in the number of students taking final exams in Mon National Schools.

Since the middle of this academic year, more senior students have been withdrawn from school by their parents or guardians to work in Thailand. As final exams approach, prolonged absenteeism due to various factors has further contributed to an increasing dropout rate.

“Compared to previous years, the number has nearly halved. Many students have left for Thailand with their parents. Currently, our school has only 58 students remaining, whereas last year, there were over 80,” said a teacher from Kyaikmaraw Mon National School.

According to school officials, many parents withdrew their children from school following the issuance of labor cards in Thailand in December 2024. As a result, student numbers have declined, with an average reduction of 20 students per high school and 10 students per primary school.

Furthermore, a representative from Andin School stated that last year, 34 students took the university entrance examination; however, only 24 students will sit for the exam this year.

The National Education Committee has already released the exam schedule. However, a teacher from the Mon National School noted that some students who fled to border areas due to ongoing conflicts remain out of contact.

“Primary-level students will take their exams at their respective schools. However, the children who fled to border areas due to the conflict are now unreachable, so they will not be able to sit for the exams,” the teacher explained.

Mon National Schools are scheduled to conduct promotion exams for primary-level students from February 17 to 24 and for secondary-level students from February 20 to 27.

Students in Grade 5, Grade 9, and Grade 12 are required to take district-level government examinations, which are scheduled to be held from March 3 to 9, as directed by the Mon National Education Committee.