Thousands of children lose access to schooling in northern Shan State fighting

By Admin 20 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
20 December 2023, Sittwe

Thousands of children are losing access to schooling due to fighting between the Brotherhood Alliance and junta troops that has been going on for nearly two months.

Clashes in Chin Shwe Haw, Hseni, Kutkai, Kunlong, Namkham and Muse townships between junta troops and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) since October 27 have forced more than 60,000 locals from their homes, at least 20,000 of whom are basic education students, according to a volunteer helping displaced people in northern Shan State.

“Pregnant women, elderly people and children make up the majority of displaced people. Some 20,000 of them are basic education students,” he said.

More than 300 basic education schools in northern Shan State have also been temporarily closed due to instability in the area, with children losing access to schooling, according to volunteer groups helping displaced people.

“Though [the Brotherhood Alliance] has seized the towns, schools still can’t be opened. Fighting still continues, and there are concerns about possible junta air raids,” said a volunteer.

Parents want fighting to be finished as early as possible, and schools are reopened.

“We want schools reopened, after the fighting finishes. We don’t want children to be lagging behind. Some children are distressed,” said the mother of a student from Namkham town.

The Brotherhood Alliance’s ambitious and ongoing offensive against the regime, Operation 1027, has seen it seize eight towns and more than 300 outposts.