This new academic year has seen an increase in the number of students attending independent schools in areas controlled by Karen National Union (KNU) brigades.

According to the teacher Law Al Hmu, an official at the Karen Education and Culture Department who spoke to Mizzima there are several reasons more students are attending the independent schools. One of these is that there are few teachers working in government areas because many have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and are refusing to work. Other reasons
include regional political unrest and other factors that disrupt children’s education.

Also, the National Unity Government (NUG) has not been able to set up its own independent schools in junta-controlled areas.

“The students have come here because NUG schools cannot be run across Myanmar. The increase [in student numbers at Karen independent schools] happened because there was instability in some areas so people moved to more stable areas [in Karen State]”, he said.

In the 2021 to 2022 academic year there were more than 90,000 students attending 1,090 schools in KNU-controlled areas. For the 2022 to 2023 academic year there will be 100,000 students attending almost 1,200 schools in KNU-controlled areas.

According to Law Al Hmu, due to the increase in student numbers there are problems with insufficient supplies for students. These include not enough school buildings, dormitories and textbooks. There are also security concerns because the junta is currently launching offensives in Karen State.

Law Al Hmu is particularly concerned about the possibility of airstrikes. He said: 'If the junta troops launch airstrikes on school days, children will be in grave danger.'

There are independent schools for students of all ages in Karen State, ranging from primary to high school.

After completing their education at independent Karen schools students can continue their education at private colleges in KNU areas or go to colleges for refugees that prepare the students to pass entrance exams for universities in other countries.