The Arakha Education Department under United League of Arakan (ULA) is hiring teachers to ensure the smooth functioning of education as it plans to reopen schools which have been closed due to conflict since the end of 2023 in Arakha Army (AA)-controlled townships for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.
A teacher from Maungdaw Township stated, “The education department is hiring teachers and has plans for experienced educators to train newcomers. I think education will run smoothly in our township next year.”
The schools were closed in 2024 due to the displacement of locals caused by ongoing fighting and the threat of airstrikes by the military council in Arakan State.
However, the education community believes that this arrangement is being made to ensure that children do not miss out on education.
A female teacher from MraukU Township said, “Since the fighting ended, we have been teaching in suitable places instead of schools. Not all teachers have been able to return to their work, and not all children have been able to attend school. I think it would be better if schools could reopen systematically when the next school year begins.”
Locals say that due to the school closures in Arakan State, many students have missed out on education, with some growing older and dropping out of school.
At present, only a few charitable schools and parent-funded schools are operating in Arakan State, leaving many children deprived of the opportunity to receive an education.
A female teacher from Thandwe Township said, “We are preparing to start teaching. Schools in some villages are functioning properly, while others are still preparing. Some teachers are volunteering their services, while others are being funded by the village.”
More than 600,000 locals have been displaced due to the fighting in Arakan State. Parents say the country’s future generation has been forced out of the classroom, causing their education to come to a halt.
As a result, students, parents, and teachers are hopeful that the education sector will operate smoothly and systematically in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)