Free schools for IDP children in Arakan State struggle to stay open amid funding shortfall

By Admin 21 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 February 2026, Ponnagyun

Free education centers serving displaced children in Arakan State are facing serious sustainability challenges as financial assistance declines, officials say.

The schools, which rely on support from local and international donors, are struggling to remain operational amid a drop in donations, putting students’ continued access to education at risk.

“If we have to wait for donations, the schools may be forced to close. At the moment, we are trying to keep them running to prevent a shutdown. We are mainly relying on loans to continue operations,” said Ko Pyae Phyo, founder of the Lin Yaung Chi Foundation.

The Lin Yaung Chi Foundation operates eight free schools in Ponnagyun and Rathedaung Townships, serving hundreds of displaced and underprivileged students.

Temporary school buildings have deteriorated due to natural disasters, and there is an urgent need for teaching materials and basic stationery, including notebooks, pencils and pens.

“We need to provide students with stationery at least once a month. Some students facing extreme hardship have to use a single notebook for all subjects. That’s why we need more support,” said Ma Lat Lat, a teacher at one of the schools.

Ongoing military conflict in Arakan State has left many children separated from their classrooms and facing multiple barriers to education, including financial hardship.

To prevent disruption to the education of internally displaced and impoverished children, several Arakanese social organizations, including the Lin Yaung Chi Foundation, have established and are managing free schools.

As these schools play a critical role in ensuring access to learning, students fear they may be forced to drop out if the centers cannot continue operating.

“Only children from poor families attend this school. If it is not open next year, we won’t be able to continue our studies. I want higher grades to be added. Many students cannot continue their education because they have no money. This free school only goes up to Grade 6,” said Ma Thuzar Hlaing, a Grade 6 student.

While education is being administered in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) for the 2025-2026 academic year, many children across the state remain unable to access schooling.

In addition, Myanmar’s military regime has carried out airstrikes across Arakan State targeting schools, hospitals, clinics, IDP camps and civilian areas, undermining children’s right to learn in a safe environment.