From Classrooms to Conflict: An Education Crisis Unleashed by the Military Coup in Myanmar
The following submission was written by a member of our local team who has been supporting our education projects on the ground. While he usually writes reports and updates about our donation activities, here he shares a personal reflection about the present state of education in his country. We ask that you consider a contribution of any size that might go towards supporting our mission.
“Countless students, both boys and girls, have been forced into dire circumstances. They either join resistance militias to protect their communities or face the arduous journey to the cities in search of menial jobs.”
Recently, I had a heartfelt conversation with a monk who dedicated his efforts to running a monastic school for our community. In the past, before the military coup, I wholeheartedly supported this noble cause, as it greatly benefited the young people in our area, welcoming those from all religions and ethnicities. However, as the monk and I reminisced about our past experiences, a sense of melancholy overwhelmed us. We couldn't help but acknowledge the drastic changes brought about by the coup.
Sadly, since last year, approximately half of the adolescent students, especially boys, who were once part of our school, have joined local resistance militias to protect our communities. Simultaneously, the other half, mostly girls, have been forced to seek employment in cities like Yangon and Mandalay, where they often find low-paying and unsafe jobs. Consequently, their education has been abruptly halted, leaving them incomplete in terms of their academic journey.
As an educator, I strongly believe that even in the face of adversity, education should never come to a standstill! Yet, the reality is that numerous children have been deprived of access to education for an extended period, and there seems to be no foreseeable plan to address this pressing issue.
For those fortunate enough to complete their education up to the matriculation standard, there is at least a glimmer of hope for employment. Many small businesses require applicants to have completed the matriculation standard, which represents the bare minimum educational qualification. However, due to the increasing inaccessibility of education, only a privileged few can still achieve this milestone. The rest are being left far, far behind. It really depresses me.
During my stay at the monk's monastery, there was a night when he received a distressing call from a local village leader. He informed us that he, along with hundreds of other villagers, were fleeing the village in fear. The military was rapidly advancing towards their town, and everyone was deeply concerned about the safety of one of the prominent Sayadaws residing there. Despite the impending danger, this Sayadaw vowed not to abandon his post, likening himself to a captain on a sinking ship. The following day, we anxiously contacted him, relieved to learn that neither he nor the novices had been harmed. However, on subsequent nights, his tone became more apprehensive as they now were preparing to flee, hastily packing their belongings onto their bicycles, uncertain of the soldiers' next move.
I also came to know of another incident where the military troops cordoned off and blockaded all the entrances of a monastic school. They conducted a thorough search of the premises, leaving the terrified children traumatized by the operation. Allegedly, they suspected the monastic clinic of providing medical assistance to members of the people's defense forces, although such accusations were baseless. In truth, the clinic only focused on providing education and health services. This incident vividly illustrates how the junta suppresses and monitors even the benevolent monastic charity clinics, targeting the sincere and compassionate monks who remain apolitical.
Another Sayadaw shared with me his harrowing experiences of repeated military raids on his monastery. He expressed his deep concern and anxiety for the safety of the novices and the sanctity of the monastery. Despite the armed conflicts that have plagued his area since last year, he displayed immense courage by steadfastly staying and looking after the novices. This compassionate and brave monk strictly adheres to monastic discipline and diligently practices the Dharma, including Mettābhāvanā (loving-kindness meditation) and Buddhānussati-bhāvanā (recollection of the Buddha). He commented on the reckless behavior of the undisciplined coup troops, stating, "They are accustomed to burning homes and possessions." Consequently, he resolved never to abandon the monastery, as he was certain that if he did, they would seize and destroy it as well.
I was taken aback by the monk's words. He, a kind, compassionate, wise, and peaceful practitioner of Buddhism, made such observations regarding the unruly acts of the oppressors. It truly reflects the essence of a genuine and compassionate Buddhist monk.
The impact of the military coup on education in Myanmar is devastating. Countless students, both boys and girls, have been forced into dire circumstances. They either join resistance militias to protect their communities or face the arduous journey to the cities in search of menial jobs. Education, once a beacon of hope for these young minds, has become a casualty of the ongoing turmoil.
As I reflect on these stories, my heart aches for the loss of educational opportunities, the trauma inflicted upon innocent children, and the oppression faced by the selfless monks who dedicated their lives to serving others. The resilience displayed by these individuals amidst chaos is nothing short of remarkable.
We must not turn a blind eye to this crisis. Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, irrespective of political turmoil. It is essential to shine a light on the struggles faced by the people of Myanmar, particularly the impact on the education system. Only by doing so can we hope to bring attention and support to those in need, striving to rebuild their shattered lives and provide a brighter future for the generations to come.
May the courage and determination of the students, monks, and educators in Myanmar inspire us all to take action and stand in solidarity with them. Together, let us work towards restoring their right to education and fostering a society where knowledge and enlightenment can flourish once again.