Schools in Pekon Township on the border between Shan State and Karenni (Kayah) State have been closed frequently this August as the junta flies over planes and helicopters.
Moreover, the western part of Pekon Township has experienced frequent bombings this year. Similar airstrikes by the junta have also occurred in Demoso and Hpruso Townships in Karenni State.
On 5 February, the junta carried out bombings on primary and secondary schools in Daw Si Ei village in the western part of Demoso Township, resulting in the emergency closure of over 100 schools in the area.
As the junta increasingly targets schools, not only parents but also students and teachers live in fear of bombing whenever they hear the sound of airplanes.
The Kantarawaddy Times has collected voices of some teachers and parents who express concern every time they hear the sounds of airplanes, even though schools in the area are currently operating for the 2024 academic year.
Daw Aye Ma Rang (parent of a student)
As a parent, I’m concerned about the frequent flyovers by airplanes. When they come, the teachers have to close the schools for a while. This may delay the children’s education. We’d like the planes to stop flying over the school so often and for the children to be able to attend their classes in peace.
A parent of a student
There are difficulties for both the students and the teachers. If the planes fly over intensively, we should close the school if necessary. But if the planes only fly over from time to time and at a distance, it’s better not to close the school. That way, the children can learn more. If they stay at home, they may not learn or revise their lessons, and they’ll lose more time. This is just my personal opinion.
Daw Arr Ko Tha (teacher)
There have been a lot of flyovers lately. Since the fighting is intense, airplanes often circle overhead. They have also dropped bombs in our area. So we’re very worried about our children who go to school. When planes circle during school hours, it’s worrying. Sometimes the schools have to be closed when the planes are circling. This has caused major delays and setbacks in the children’s education.
Daw Mu Maing (teacher)
Our school hasn’t yet been directly affected. But when planes come, we’re very worried. Despite the displacement, parents send their children to school to continue their education. They no longer have schools or houses in their communities. Even if they come here in the hope that their children can study in peace, they (the parents) can’t be reassured. Because when planes are circling during school hours, the children can’t stay calm. Parents who feel uncomfortable take their children home again. In such situations, it’s very worrying that we can’t teach in peace, even though we’re supposed to create a calm educational environment. Education is severely affected by this situation.
U Mar Tee Yar (teacher)
In emergencies, we have to close the school. In such situations, not only the children’s education is affected, but also their mental health. If this cycle continues, we’ll continue to worry.
U Mar Par (parent of a student)
I think it was about four months ago. Back then, when the planes were dropping bombs, as a parent I was very worried about education. They (the junta) aren’t the kind of people who would avoid attacks just because it’s a school. I was very worried. Because of this worry, I didn’t even dare to send my daughter to kindergarten. We had to teach her at home. In the meantime, it rained continuously for about three months. During this time, the noise of the airplanes became much quieter. But this week we had clear weather for about three days. In between, the planes came back. Suddenly the teachers have to close the school when they hear the sound of airplanes. We can’t prepare for this situation and that’s why I’m even more worried about the children.
A parent of a student
When airplanes are circling, we worry. When your child is at school and planes are circling, of course you worry. I think when planes are circling, the children are more likely to be psychologically affected.Teachers will also feel more stress. When planes are circling, I prefer the children to stay inside (the classroom). If we close the school every time planes circle, it’ll affect the children’s education. Their education will fall behind and the children will be distracted. If they can’t go to school, their minds will wander from their lessons. If the planes only circle for a short time, it’s not a big problem. But if they circle for a longer period of time, a closure might be necessary. I think it would be better if they made the decision to open depending on the situation and the timing.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.
