The Myitkyina Federal School, established on-line under the NUG, has opened for the 2023-2024 academic year, enrolling an approximate total of 700 students.
According to a teacher from the Myitkyina Basic Education Board, the Myitkyina Federal School has been diligently conducting classes for each grade for a period of six months. This initiative aims to cater to students who experienced disruptions in their education due to the impact of Covid-19 and the military coup.
"We are utilizing the Zoom app to provide online education to children. Our course spans a duration of six months. Since the children have missed one year of education due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and another year due to the coup, we are tailoring the curriculum to match their age and grade level, aiming to bridge the learning gaps. Currently we are approaching the end of one class this June, and we plan to commence another class in July," he explained.
The teacher explained that primary and secondary levels receive six months of teaching, with classes held from January to June and from July to December. However for matriculation students, the teaching period extends to ten months.
The teacher mentioned that attendance at schools established by the Military Council, where most students find them close and convenient, has increased compared to last year due to challenges related to online learning and other difficulties.
He also emphasized that alongside their resistance to the education system imposed by the military dictatorship, their focus is on organizing schools and delivering education in collaboration with CDM teachers. Their ultimate goal is to enable students to have the opportunity to study in federal schools, under a revamped Ministry of Education established by the NUG.
A teacher from the Myitkyina Education Board shared, "Our goal is to provide an opportunity for students who are unable to attend schools outside due to security concerns. As members of the Myitkyina Education Board, we are actively establishing a school called Myitkyina Federal School. With the support of the NUG (National Unity Government), the Ministry of Education is diligently preparing well-designed exam questions. These exams will be answered through Google Forms. Additionally, we have students who have already answered the matriculation exam. Our utmost focus is to ensure access to education and establish a fully functioning school."
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education of the National Unity Government on May 31, all certificates of completion for basic education will be granted to those who have followed the specified rules during the exams, starting from February 2024.
For security reasons, schools are limited to online teaching, but in safer areas, students have the opportunity to attend physical schools that are open and conducting classes.
In Kachin State, the Myitkyina Basic Education Board manages approximately 10 schools. Currently, the board operates with a team of 60 CDM teachers. In the previous academic year of 2022-2023, the Myitkyina Federal School, under the Ministry of Education of the National Unity Government, provided online education to over 1,000 students.
At the Myitkyina Federal School, a significant number of students attending, come from the Sagaing Region.
Since the military coup in 2021, CDM teachers who have actively opposed the military dictatorship have united and established education boards. These boards have been steadfastly opening schools in various areas, utilizing both online platforms and physical classrooms.
