Self-reliant schools being built at IDP camps in Arakan State

By Khin Tharaphy Oo 26 Jun 2020

Khin Tharaphy Oo | DMG
26 June, Sittwe

Schools are being built on a self-reliant basis at some Arakan State camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) to help children pursue their educations.

The schools are slated for five IDP camps in Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw and Myebon townships, but the camp in-charges tasked with construction are reportedly struggling to afford the timber and bamboo necessary for the buildings.

“Construction of the school began one month ago by collecting bamboo from each household. But we need money for the school’s roof,” said U Sein Shwe Bu, an in-charge of Wah Taung IDP camp.

There are around 400 students sheltering at the Wah Taung and Kular IDP camps in Kyauktaw Township.

A self-reliant school is also being built at Sa Nyin IDP camp in Myebon Township, which hosts more than 80 students, as there is no financial assistance from donors.

“We have difficulties because the IDP camp is not an official camp. So we cannot seek assistance from international organisations such as ICRC,” said Ko Thura Moe, an in-charge of Sa Nyin IDP camp, referring to the International Committee of the Red Cross. “We are now building a school on a self-reliant basis.”

Construction of self-reliant schools is intended to provide children with convenient access to education amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as IDP camps are generally located separate from residential areas served by government-run schools and because IDP children use boats to go to school in some places, they added.

Matriculation students sheltering in the IDP camps will reportedly be hired to teach at the camp schools, which are expected to provide instruction to children from kindergarten to primary school age.

Arrangements would be made to dispatch teachers to IDP camp schools and provide school supplies if IDP camp officials inform the Department of Education about the construction of self-reliant schools, said Mrauk-U District Education Officer U Maung Thein Shwe.

There are more than 150,000 IDPs in Arakan State due to fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA), an estimated 30 percent of whom are students, according to data compiled by the Rakhine Ethnics Congress.