Over one hundred schools in Arakan State can’t operate

By Min Htun 13 Jun 2019

Min Tun | DMG

12 June, Sittwe

More than 100 public schools in Arakan State are facing challenges to open due to ongoing clashes between the Tatmadaw and the AA in the region, according to Rakhine Ethnics Congress (REC).

Teachers who are assigned to teach in schools from Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Buthidaung Townships are finding it problematic to teach in the schools because they are concerned about their safety under trying circumstances in these regions, said U Shwe Baw Sein, chairperson of the REC.

“As far as I know, more than 100 schools from the seven townships are open. However, teachers do not stay at the schools to teach children because they are concerned about their safety. Teachers went there and accepted students’ registration. But they did not stay and teach at the schools,” U Shwe Baw Sein said.

Meanwhile, there are about 1000 students from three refugee camps in Kyauktaw Township namely Taungmin Kala, Wah Taung and Kan Sauk camps. About 16 schools in Kyauktaw Township are also facing challenges operating, said U Maung Maung, State MP from Kyauktaw Township.

“The number of students in the three IDP camps is over 1000. They are afraid of going to schools in Chaung Phya and so are the teachers. Thus, about 16 schools in the region could not function. So, students do not attend these schools,” U Maung Maung said.

The DMG phoned Arakan State Education Department to know the exact number of schools that have to shut down due to armed conflicts in the region, but the department refused to comment saying it cannot list the figures at the moment.