66 schools closed in Bilin: Children denied access to education due to prolonged and constant battles

December 6, 2024

HURFOM: Since early 2024, there have been prolonged, frequent battles between the military junta and local resistance forces in Bilin Township, Mon State. As a result, 66 schools have been forced to stop their operations leaving thousands of children without access to education.

Schools in Bilin Township have been closed for months. Some students have decided to leave school and go abroad for work, because families are having serious difficulties making a living.

“There are lots of children who can’t go to school. Some of them decided to leave school and with their families have gone abroad for work,” said an official from a self-reliant school.

In response to this situation the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) has stepped in to provide education to children who cannot join government schools. One such ‘self-reliant’ school opened in April 2024 and has more than 60 students. The school has children in KG to Grade Nine classes which are taught by just six teachers.

Even though the self-reliant school is operating well, there are challenges with building, accommodations and having enough schoolteachers.

According to the Bilin Township’s Director of Education Office, two basic education high schools, three basic education middle schools and 61 basic education primary schools have been closed due to prolonged and constant battles.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News