Mon students in need of educational support for university study

April 19, 2018

According to Mon students from Bop Htaw Education Empowerment Program (BHEEP) —run by the Mon National Education Committee (MNEC) — many struggle to find financial support to continue their studies after graduating.

“After finishing our program, we have to serve with the New Mon State Party (NMSP) for two years. During this time, we’re preparing to get into a suitable university. When the university accepts our application, we have to apply for a scholarship program [in order to get funding],” said Mehm Kyae Chan, a Bop Htaw student from Kyar Inn Seik Kyi Township, Karen State.

On April 2^nd 2018, the MNEC held a graduation ceremony for BHEEP students at the Nai Shwe Kyin Library in Mawlamyine, Mon State.

“We don’t know if we will win a scholarship or not. I want to continue my studies, but if I can’t get any support for my education it’s impossible to continue,” said Mi Rai Chai, a student from Yin Yel village, southern Ye Township.

BHEEP focuses on teacher training and English language skills for young adults from Mon State, followed by a two-year teaching internship. The program often serves as a bridge for students wishing to attend a foreign university.

“After finishing this program, the students have to choose which departments they want to work for during their internship program. For instance, the NMSP have educational, administrative, and other departments. During their internship, the students have to find a university and financial support for further study. We also support them to find donors and to develop a network for applying to university,” said Nai Rot Ka Kao, a central committee member from the NMSP.

Due to financial constraints, the Bop Htaw program only accepted 30 students last year and 24 students have already finished their studies. However, the program has been preparing to accept more students in the coming project year, according to Mi Krat Non, Deputy Chief Education Officer of the MNEC.

BHEEP, formerly known as Post Ten Education Program, was established in 2000 by the MNEC under the policy of the NMSP. The program was renamed in the 2004-05 project year. Previously the program was run in Nyi Sar, a NMSP-controlled area, but now operates in Mawlamyine.

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