Thousands of children in Mon State’s Ye Twsp struggle to access schooling amid conflict

By DMG 17 Dec 2022

DMG Newsroom
17 December 2022, Ye, Mon State

Thousands of children in Ye Township, Mon State, have had their access to education jeopardised or cut off completely due to fighting between the military and a local anti-regime group.

There were 53 clashes between the military and a local People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Motkanin, Kaninkamaw and Thayaraye villages, in the northern part of Ye Township, from November to December 16. An official from the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) said that more than 5,000 local children are being deprived of education as a result.

“Local people are worried about their safety due to the military’s travel restrictions and an anti-regime group’s warning. Locals dare not send their children to school. At least 5,000 children cannot pursue their education due to the fighting,” the HURFOM official added.

Residents said they are afraid to send their children to schools due to frequent remote-controlled mine attacks and skirmishes near the villages.

“Locals are afraid to go to their plantations or send their children to school. We are monitoring the situation,” said a resident of Motkanin Village.

Several village schools in Ye Township are currently closed due to adverse security conditions, according to local education staff member.

“Twenty government schools in Ye Township have been temporarily closed since six months ago. Schools close to downtown Ye reopened. It is a big loss for children’s education,” said an education staffer.

Because the military is sending reinforcements into the area, the local PDF has warned residents to exercise caution when travelling on the Mawlamyine-Ye road.