The effects of famine in Chin state has led to an increase in the number of school drop outs, especially, near the Indo-Myanmar border villages.
 
"Since, early 2007, because of the effects of famine in Chin state, Chin people have been struggling for their livelihood. So they have been unable to send their children to school. The number of children not receiving education is going up," said the principal of Tawnglalungchau village, Matupi town, southern Chin state.
 
"Desperate to eke out a living everyday the families are unable to afford sending children to school," said the principle.
 
"Our village school has tilled standard seven. We had more than 40 students last year. This year we have about 20 students. Many have not paid admission fees till now," said the principal to Khonunthung News.
 
"In village government schools, the number of students has come down. Most of students are working as farmers. They have also gone to Mizoram to work for a living," he added.
 
A few people remain in this village such as children, and elderly men and women. Most of the young people have left school to find work. Most were in 9th or 10th standards," the principal added.
 
Most Chin people are farmers. They used to stock food for two or three years and could send the children to school by selling vegetables before they were hit by the famine.
 
The famine comes in a 50-year cycle when bamboo flowers. Rats eat the flowers and multiply rapidly and then destroy crops, food grains stored in go downs and vegetables in Chin state.
 
Some NGOs are helping out with rice. However, there is no sponsorship for children’s education.