By Kantarawaddy Times
In Camp No. 2 for internally displaced persons (IDPs), located in Somo Pray Soe Leh Township (also known as Shardaw Township) of the Karenni state, efforts are underway to open a middle school. However, additional support is still needed, according to a female teacher in charge of the school.
“We plan to expand the school to include Grades 7 and 8 in the upcoming academic year, and continue building upon that foundation in the years ahead,” the teacher explained. “Many of our students are eager to continue their education but are unable to access schools located in the mountainous areas where middle and high school levels are offered. Our goal is to provide accessible education within the camp itself. Fortunately, the education board has been assisting us in sourcing the necessary textbooks.”
This IDP school was established after civilians fled following the military clashes in Shandaw tonwship in February 2023.
Currently, the school offers classes from kindergarten (KG) to Grade 5. Due to a shortage of teachers, students who reach Grade 6 have to travel to Camp No. 1 to continue their studies in a rotation system, staying for six-month periods at a time.
The school recently held its end-of-year ceremony for the 2023–2024 academic year on March 29.
In preparation for the coming school year and to expand to the middle school level, the school urgently needs additional resources including a proper school roof, writing materials, whiteboards, and other teaching aids, the teacher added.
“Our school roof remains unfinished, and we are actively seeking support to complete its construction,” she stated. “In addition, we are in urgent need of basic educational materials, including writing supplies for the students. The whiteboard we currently have is no longer functional, and replacing it has become a top priority.” Currently, the school has 10 teachers and a total of 84 students.
