By Kantarawaddy Times
Almost 200 schools for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been opened in Karenni State, although some teaching materials are still lacking in the camps in Demawso and Hpruso townships.
“The children need learning materials such as whiteboards, pens and other things. Due to travel restrictions, it’s still difficult to bring these things to the camps,” Banyar, the director of Karenni Human Rights Organisation, told Kantarawaddy Times.
Teachers who left their jobs after the coup to join the protest movement volunteer at the new schools, which are managed by local IDP committees. Each class consists of 50 children, most of them primary school students.
“The instructors mainly teach basic subjects like Myanmar, English, mathematics and their mother tongue. But they also organise some fun activities for the students. This is to help them overcome their physical and mental traumas,” says Banyar.
The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force has launched a special one-month education programme in the IDP camps in Demawso Township, where people haven’t been able to return since 20 May. For one month, members of the civilian resistance group are leading entertaining activities in the class for the students’ enjoyment and to help them learn.
In addition to the 200 schools in Demawso and Hpruso townships, there are also schools in Loikaw, Shardaw and Hpasoung townships.
Attempts to start classes in the camps in Karenni State in June were thwarted by outbreaks of COVID-19.
