According to the matriculation examination results for the 2015-16 academic year announced on 11th of June, only 17 out of 86 students from migrant schools based in Mae Sot had passed.

The poor results have raised questions among migrant teachers about the existing matriculation system as they say it has become too challenging for migrant students.

U Naing Naing Tun, secretary of the Burmese Migrant Teachers’ Association told Karen News that they are concerned about the system as the pass rate is also dropping at a national level.

“The passing percentage of the matriculation results for the whole country has dropped.

In my opinion, the matriculation system needs to be reviewed. Students from the border area are not familiar with the education system in Burma, this matriculation exam is a challenge for them.”

In the current academic year, 86 students from Hsa Thoo Lei and Thwe Thit high schools in Mae Sot took the exam in the Myawaddy examination centre.

Naw Paw Ray, chairperson of the Burmese Migrant Workers’ Education Committee (BMWEC) said.

“Last year, the passing percentage of the matriculation results was 28%. But this year results drops to 22% and students who also received distinctions also decreased.”

Out of 86 students, 12 from Hsa Thoo Lei School and 5 from Thwe Thit School, a total of only 17 students passed the matriculation exam.

In 2014-2015 academic year, 125 students from migrant schools took the exam and 33 students passed the exam.

Since 2012-2013 academic year migrant schools have started to join the government examination center back in Burma. Only 8 students passed the exam in 2012-2013.

In 2013-2014 academic year 126 students took the exam and 36 students passed, according to BMWEC. Naw Paw Rey said that the exam results haven’t improved and students also have less interest in the exam.

According to the matriculation results announced by Ministry of Education for the whole year, the passing rate for this year stands at 29.92%, a drop from 37.60% last year.