While some Mon national schools and basic education schools have reopened following the Kyon Laung fighting in Ye Township, Mon State, displaced students from schools that remain closed are receiving education in monasteries and nearby safe locations, according to reports.
Three Mon national primary schools from Wei Zin, Dhamma Par La, and Wei Paung villages in Ye Township, along with two basic education primary schools from Kyon Laung and Kyaung Mi Chaung villages, have been closed since 10 January due to fighting, displacing over 400 students.
Currently, while Wei Zin and Dhamma Par La Mon national schools have reopened, displaced students from other areas are being taught by Mon national school teachers and officials at Wei Zin village monastery and other safe locations.
A Mon national school teacher in charge said they are preparing to conduct year-end examinations at their current teaching locations.
“At first, there were no students when schools reopened. Now, over 80 students have returned to Dhamma Par La and Wei Zin schools. We’re also teaching more than 60 students from Wei Paung at the Wei Zin monastery. They will take their final exams at the monastery,” the teacher explained.
Similarly, since the basic education primary schools in Kyon Laung and Kyauk Mi Chaung villages haven’t reopened, township education officials have permitted students to study at any nearby safe basic education school, according to school authorities.
“Everyone – parents, students, and teachers – are worried right now. With sounds of frequent artillery fire, we’re concerned about how well students will be able to take their exams,” said a parent.
However, school officials report they have lost contact with students who fled with their families to hilly areas in the Ye Chuang Phyar area and toward Hpa Yar Thone Su on the Thai-Myanmar border.
Local sources report that after intense daily fighting in eastern Ye Township since 9 January, resistance groups have withdrawn, and military junta troops have entered New Mon State Party-controlled territory.
In addition, restrictions on food transportation along the Kyon Laung -Ye road remain in place, and the military council’s Artillery Battalion and Light Infantry Battalion based in Ye continue almost daily artillery shelling, according to locals.
Sent by IMNA.
