The Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) stated that in over three years since the military coup in Karenni (Kayah) State, universities and colleges have been established based on the right to self-determination, without interference from any authoritarian organization.
U Nyi Nyi Zaw, Vice-Dean of the IEC Education Department, said that five universities and colleges have been established in the areas under the administration of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC).
“The main purpose of opening universities is to produce the human resources essential for our state and to provide educational access for CDM students,” he said.
“The IEC has already opened the Arts and Science University, Karenni Medical College, Karenni University of Nursing, and Karenni Education Degree College for those who have completed high school education in Karenni State,” U Nyi Nyi Zaw continued.
In addition, the IEC Education Department said plan is underway to open a technological university and is currently drafting international standard education policies in collaboration with relevant universities.
Vice-dean U Nyi Nyi Zaw stated that the school was opened amid various challenges and difficulties. The main challenges cover issues related to security, budget constraints, teacher salaries, and transportation difficulties.
“Some schools may have affiliations with other organizations. But most of the schools are operated with the contributions from private donors on a self-reliant basis. The IEC cannot fully support them,” said U Nyi Nyi Zaw.
A female student from Loinanhpa village in Demoso Township said: “Especially, we are facing challenges in terms of living conditions and road transportation. The school initially distributes the books to new students. There are not enough books available, so they are shared fairly among the students.”
The parents of students are concerned about the security of their children and are facing challenges related to transportation and financial constraints in sending their children to school.
In order to overcome the challenges faced, the IEC Education Department is working to establish connections with international universities to offer scholarship programs. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under the National Unity Government (NUG) to enable students to pursue higher education.
The schools run by the IEC have more than 500 stundets and 100 teachers, said the Vice-Dean of the IEC Education Department.
In more than three years after the military coup, 456 basic education schools in Karenni State have partnered with the IEC, comprising 3,543 teachers and serving 46,475 students, according to the IEC.
Sent by NMG