Power cuts impacting student’s capacity to study in lead up to matriculation exam period

April 4, 2022

HURFOM: The Ministry of Education, which is controlled by the military junta, is moving forward with plans to hold the 2021-22 academic matriculation exams from March 31 to April 9, 2022.

Students are upset with the decision because the power cuts have been occurring with more frequency and outages last for longer periods of time making it extremely difficult to prepare for their exams.

Some individuals who assist students to prepare for their exams have had to buy a generator to provide electricity for the students.

“A single power cut lasts for half a day. Power cuts happen day and night. There shouldn’t be a power cut during the matriculation exam period. But the power cuts are getting worse. When there is no electricity at night, it is difficult for students to do their studies,” said a supporter of students, based in Myine Thar Yar Ward, Mawlamyine.

Without a generator to provide electric lighting students have to do their studies by candle light, often late into the evening.

“The person assisting us, bought a generator but with gasoline prices so high, he has had to limit the use of the generator. So we have to do our studying with a rechargeable battery lamp or even with a candle light. It’s annoying. The light source from the battery lamp or a candle is poor. We are upset that power cuts are happening so frequently. It affects our ability to study and prepare,” said a student from Mudon Town.

According to the spokesperson of the military junta, the power cuts are due to maintenance of the electrical grid system. The junta advises that people must have an alternative power source until at least May 2022.

In previous years, 30,000 students registered for their matriculation exams in Mon State. This year many students and their parents have opted to boycott the exam period. There are only 10,000 students who have decided to sit for the upcoming matriculation exams.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News