The Mon literature community has raised concerns that the reopening of state schools in April will disrupt the Mon Summer School program, which teaches Mon language and culture during the school break.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the military junta's Basic Education Department has ordered middle and high school students across the country to return to school for 20 days from April 1 to May 9. According to education officials, this directive aims to reinforce previous lessons and provide additional instruction in subjects like English and computer studies.
However, Mon communities across various states and regions, where Mon people reside, have traditionally organized Mon Summer School programs during the break. These programs, led by Mon Buddhist monks and cultural organizations, play a crucial role in preserving the Mon language and identity. A Mon monk from Mudon involved in the initiative expressed concern that the new school schedule could become a barrier to ethnic literature education.
“If they strictly enforce this directive, we will have to negotiate. Mon Summer School already has limited teaching time, so reducing it further will create challenges for ethnic education. This decision could lead to future conflicts between the government’s education policies and ethnic literature programs,” the monk stated.
Despite the official directive, some education officials have indicated that schools may not strictly follow the designated reopening schedule and could adjust according to local weather conditions.
A Mon literature instructor from Kyaikmayaw Township voiced concerns that rural students, in particular, might be pressured to attend state school instead of Mon Summer School.
“We are worried. Every year, we organize Mon language classes, but if the government enforces school attendance, it will disrupt our schedule. Teachers won’t be able to oppose it, and in rural areas, parents tend to follow what teachers advise. If teachers tell them to send their children to school, they will,” the instructor explained.
The number of Mon students studying their native language has been declining, as more young people prioritize learning English, computer skills, and other subjects. This latest development has intensified concerns about the future of Mon literature education.
The military junta first mentioned its plan to reopen schools during the summer at an MSME product exhibition in Naypyidaw on February 10. The stated objective was to review past lessons and provide additional training in key subjects.
