Maungdaw, Arakan State: The Burmese military junta is recruiting Arakanese Rohingya teachers for primary schools following the visit of the Western Command Commander and Education officer of Arakan State to north Arakan, said a schoolteacher on condition of anonymity.

The Western Commander Gen Thaung Aye along with the education officer of Arakan state recently went to north Arakan and visited many primary schools and surveyed primary level education. The authorities came to know that there is a shortage of teachers.

For instance, in a primary school, there are over 500 students with only two school teachers. There is also a language problem between students and teachers. After the military assumed power in 1988, the authorities appointed many Rakhine teachers in north Arakan who were mostly from Sandoway, Kyaukpru, Taunggup and Goa townships of Arakan south. They did not appoint local Arakanese Rohingya teachers, the teacher added.

Besides, those who were appointed in north Arakan did not want to go to the rural areas as their salary is very low. They are also compelled to do other work to cope with their expenses. Therefore, they do not attend school regularly and the teaching in schools is hampered, said a local elder on condition of anonymity.

Realizing this, the Western Commander ordered the local authorities to collect applications from the Arakanese Rohingya community for the post of primary school teachers. Regarding this, some of the Arakanese Rohingya youths who passed matriculation and who have degrees in Science and Arts from the University have submitted applications to the District Peace and Development Council (DPDC) of Maungdaw.

The recruits will go to Kyaukpru Town for teacher training for six months. It is uncertain how many teachers will be recruited from Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung Townships, said a businessman from Buthidaung Town.

Some Rohingya villagers doubt whether the project will be fully implemented. They believe that it is a deliberate step by the military regime before the 2010 election, said a trader from Maungdaw town.