By Kantarawaddy Times
In the territories controlled by revolutionary forces in Karenni State, less than 20% of children under the age of 5 are able to attend preschool.
According to the Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State’s Women and Children Affairs Department, out of over 10,000 children under five, only around 2,000 are attending preschools.
This statistic was released on November 25th, highlighting that only 20% of children in Karenni State have access to preschool education.
A displaced woman who is also a member of an IDP committee living in the eastern part of Loikaw Township explained that security concerns are a major reason why only a few preschools operate in Karenni State.
“The reason is that when children are very young, they can become a burden during emergencies, such as during airstrikes or heavy artillery attacks. Teachers also face many challenges managing young children in these situations. As a result, many preschools are not opened,” she stated.
Preschool is considered a critical foundation for a child’s education. A teacher participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) emphasized that skipping preschool and entering primary school directly can create difficulties for children and place an extra burden on teachers.
“If a child skips preschool and starts directly at primary school, it will be harder for the child to adjust, and it will also be more challenging for the teachers,” the CDM teacher remarked.
Preschool serves as the first structured environment outside the home for children under five, a crucial period for a child personal development. The teacher further highlighted that it is the best time to mold children’s social and intellectual abilities.
“A child needs to attend preschool to enjoy school life. Preschool is the first environment they encounter outside their home, so as a preschool teacher, it’s important to teach them how to build positive relationships. This helps them improve their interactions with others, develop intellectually, cultivate a desire to learn, and transform their behavior and communication skills. That’s why preschool is the best time for shaping their development,” said a CDM teacher.
Currently, over 250 preschools are being established and operated in some areas of the state, either by relevant organizations or through community-led initiatives. However, the IEC’s statement highlights that there are still significant needs to be addressed to make these services more accessible.
