An interview with Naw Mi Eh, in-charge teacher of Yaung Chi Oo school in western Demoso, about operation, challenges and needs of a school at a Karenni IDP camp
The ongoing conflict in Karenni (Kayah) State, which intensified after the coup, has displaced many locals. Despite being displaced, children are continuing their education at a school established inside the IDP camp.
Teachers from the IDP school stated that the school, established for displaced children at the IDP camp, is in urgent need of school buildings, shelters, teaching aids, textbooks, and blank books, as only a few donors have made donations so far. There is such a need in almost every school in the IDP camp, depending on the number of displaced students.
Network Media Group interviewed Naw Mi Eh (alias), in-charge teacher from Yaung Chi Oo school in western Demoso, where over 140 displaced students are attending. The interview focused on the operation, needs, and difficulties faced by the displaced school.
Q: Currenlty, how is your school running?
A: This year, we established the school committee after the schools reopened. Afterwards, we collected a small amount of money from the students to support the teachers. Because we lack regular support groups for teachers, we have to do this. This is how we run our school. We plan to open the school through the collaborative efforts of teachers and parents.
Q: What are the major needs of the school?
A: The main need of the school is classrooms. Now we extend another room for Grade-7. we need a classroom. We built a temporary classroom with waterproof sheets and bamboo. Our concern this academic year is the insufficient number of books. This year, no organization has donated books for our children. There have been no donors. In previous years, organizations like World Vision supported us by providing books and stationery before the school opened. However, this year, the children have not received any support yet. Last year, the Teachers’ Union provided us with textbooks and stationery when the school opened. This year, we have not received any support yet. We have opened the schools only through the hard work of the parents of the children.
Q: What are your concerns for the students in terms of teaching?
A: Our concern for the students is that they may not learn effectively due to the lack of textbooks during our teaching sessions. Another concern is the insufficient number of teachers. Another major concern is the danger of airstrike. If a plane comes, we have to consider closing the school due to safety concerns. We are concerned that frequent school closures may diminish our children’s motivation to continue their education. The primary concern is the danger of airstrikes. Some parents are afraid and hesitant to send their children to school.
Q: How did you manage in the 2022-2023 academic year, and what challenges are you currently facing in the 2023-2024 academic year? What are the differences between last year and this year?
A: In the previous academic year, we managed with the help of various donors. Some groups provided nutritious food to the students. Before the school shutdown, GRS provided meals to students for three months on a trial basis. Elementary school students received lunch daily.
The difference between last year and this year is that last year we had donors who provided nutritious food and snacks to the children as soon as the school opened, at least once or twice. This year, It has been one month since the school opened. There is only 1 day and 2 days left to complete one month since the school opened. Our students have not received any snacks or books from donors this year, which is a notable difference from previous years.
The difference between this year and the previous year is that our school had around 100 students. We could manage the classroom. There are sufficient number of teachers. This year, the number of IDPs has increased. As a result, we need additional school rooms to accommodate the opening of classes for another grade. We are in need of teachers because the number of students has increased. We must accept them as students have the right to learn. With the increased number of students, teachers are also feeling more exhausted.
Q: How is the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) providing assistance? What kind of assistance does the IEC provide?
A: The IEC has not provided any assistance yet this year. However, we have heard news that IEC is planning to provide us with textbooks. In practice, the IEC has not yet provided textbooks. It has been one month since the school opened, and students still do not have textbooks. They have informed us about it to some extent since last year. They informed us that they would make slight changes to the monthly aid pattern, but we have not yet received it. We are uncertain about the plan. Last year, they provided cash assistance to us along with Sel Thae (IDP camp) from December to May. This year, they have a plan to provide assistance, but we are unsure of the exact timing.
Q: Are there other groups that come to assist with education?
A: As mentioned earlier, no organization has provided assistance for education this year. We are also looking forward to receiving support from groups that can offer assistance. Which groups will bring books and pencils to the children, and on which day will they do so? For instance, the stationery supplies are adequate for junior students. However, we need to purchase new stationery for senior students due to their increased number of subjects. The junior students can utilize the leftover stationery from last year.
Q: What are the teachers’ needs and concerns?
A: As for the needs and concerns of teachers, they also have their own families. They teach at the school because it is their hobby. In fact, the monthly salary of a teacher is insufficient to purchase even a bag of rice. The rising commodity prices make it more difficult for teachers to survive. They help tirelessly with their self-sacrificing spirit. I dare say that teachers are truly dedicated and selfless ones. If possible, I want them to get a regular allowance. We are hoping for a group that can consistently provide aid. Sometimes, there are some groups which provide pocket money and serve coffee to teachers. Teachers need a regular income to meet their daily living expenses. If possible, we are hoping for donors. The concern is that we may have to operate the school under similar conditions as last year, opening and closing as necessary. Consequently, the children may lose their attention, and teachers may struggle to concentrate on teaching. When school reopens, we will need to make a lot of efforts to ensure that the children are able to focus on their lessons. We have these concerns.
Q: Do you have anything else to add?
A: As mentioned earlier, our main concern is the airstrikes resulting from battles. We are deeply worried because these airstrikes are now reaching non-conflict areas, especially schools. This year, we have six classrooms where we conduct separate teachings.
We arrange one location for two grades in order to prevent gatherings of students in a single place. The classrooms are a little far from each other. We build new teaching wards since we have to conduct separate classes. We have to teach under the makeshift tents built with waterproof sheets and bamboo.
The teachers go here and there as they have to teach separate subjects for Grade-5, 6 and 7 students. Currently, we do not have enough teachers. We have to open classes in separate locations due to the danger of airstrikes.
Even though it’s the same school, we teach separately. Although we have a good school building, we don’t have to teach and learn inside it. Grade-5 and 6 students have to study in a same place while Grade-3 and 4 students have to go to another place. We have to teach the elementary, grade-1 and grade-2 students and Grade-7 have to study at the school classrooms and hall separately.
Sent by NMG.