Kantarawaddy Times
Access to education is a fundamental right of every citizen. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to obtain knowledge and create opportunities for their future.
However, students in Karenni State face numerous challenges, such as the need for basic necessities, in accessing education.
Amid the dangers of airstrikes, children continue their education in forests and mountains. In this situation, parents are forced to prioritize their children’s survival over providing them with an educational foundation.
Security restrictions caused by armed conflict have disrupted children’s access to education. Meanwhile, the remaining open schools are also struggling with shortages of stationery and teaching and learning materials.
“The teaching and learning materials are not sufficient. From textbooks for studying to pencils and pens for writing and taking notes, we don’t have enough supplies. When children cannot access these materials, many eventually drop out as they grow older. This is the situation we are facing,” said the education officer of eastern Demoso Township.
Although education is a fundamental right of children, when they no longer have access to study freely, concerns about their future arise.
Since schools’ security has weakened, parents are also worried whenever their children go to school.
“I am worried. From our speaking, we sometimes have to go and pick up our children from school. Classes have to be suspended because drones are flying around over the school. As a parent, there are so many things to worry about. When my child goes to school, I worry about whether they might get into fights with their friends. I also worry about whether aircraft might arrive or whether the children might experience violence at school,” said one parent.
Children’s freedom to pursue an education has been affected since the military coup in 2021.
Children who are forced to flee their homes because of armed conflict continue their education in forests and mountainous areas using whatever resources are available.
Moreover, school buildings also become targets of airstrikes by the military junta, so both students and teachers are facing security risks.
The Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) reported that three basic education schools in Karenni State were damaged by military drone bombings during August. Other schools had also been attacked before these incidents.
According to a statement released by the Progressive Karenni People’s Force (PKPF) on September 1, the military junta had carried out nearly 2,200 airstrikes in Karenni State between the military coup in 2021 and August 31, 2026.
A volunteer teacher said that the ongoing airstrikes have made it difficult for children to feel completely safe while pursuing their education.
“In the past, when situations were better, they did not have to worry much about their safety. Now, they even have to fear for their lives because of the security threats. At this time, children cannot fully concentrate on learning,” the volunteer said.
Despite the security threats and shortages of teaching and learning materials, teachers participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and volunteer teachers continue to provide education in forests and mountainous areas for future generations.
Currently, more than 460 schools have been opened across Karenni State. Education continues in forests and mountains despite the difficult circumstances.
Although the educational journey is filled with challenges, education will continue to play an important role in shaping the future. Therefore, the volunteer teacher urged donors, parents, and teachers to continue supporting children and helping them pursue their education.
“I would like to appeal to donors to provide more support for education. I also hope that parents will make every effort to help and support their children so they can continue their education. As for teachers, while carrying out this work, they should teach with dedication, continuously improve their skills, and keep the future of the children in mind,” the volunteer teacher said.
