A number of distance learning university students from IDP camps in Rakhine state are facing challenges in their studies due to higher prices for commodities and education expenses.
"I won't be able to attend university this year. My parents are unable to work, and the cost of living is increasing, making it extremely challenging for me to continue my education," expressed Ma Khin Myat Wai, a second-year student majoring in Oriental Studies residing in the Shwe Parami IDP camp, Rathedaung Township.
According to the students, last year, the expenses for a distance learning university student included 50,000 kyats for accommodation, 70,000 kyats for meals, and approximately 120,000 kyats for tuition fees. However, this year, they reported an increase in accommodation costs to 80,000 kyats, meal expenses to 120,000 kyats, and tuition fees to around 200,000 kyats.
Furthermore, the prices of essential consumer goods and food items have doubled compared to the previous year, and transportation costs have also risen, posing increased challenges for university students in IDP camps.
"The cost of tuition is prohibitively high, and I simply can't afford it. While there have been reports about tuition fee assistance for war-displaced students, there hasn't been any tangible progress yet. Given this situation, I'm uncertain if I will be able to pursue my university education," expressed a second-year student majoring in Myanmar Studies, who resides in the Kawi Yadanar IDP camp, Kyauktaw Township.
War-displaced individuals are facing significant hardships, both in terms of sustaining their own livelihoods and securing their children's education. With reduced access to aid and limited employment opportunities, they have resorted to selling the property they brought with them when fleeing the conflict. Consequently, they find themselves taking on various random jobs in their efforts to provide for their children's education.
"I have a son who intends to enroll in a distance learning university, but I'm struggling to find the necessary funds. Currently, I work as a mason every day and collect bamboo shoots to make ends meet. I explore remote areas of the forest to gather food, which I then sell to save money," shared U U Saw Thein from the Railway Station IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township.
Currently, the first batch of science students is already attending university, and the second batch, which includes arts and science students, along with the third batch comprising arts students, will soon begin their university studies.
As the cost of education continues to rise year by year, some university students, including war-displaced individuals in Rakhine State, have been compelled to discontinue their studies and seek opportunities abroad. Meanwhile, others are trying to finance their education by taking on random jobs within their own regions.
Ko Kyaw Lin Htay, a second-year student majoring in history at Mya Tan Saung IDP camp, Mrauk-U Township, said, "My parents are currently unemployed, so they take on day jobs to save money for my university education. However, we still don't have enough money to go to university. My mother is planning to borrow money from others, and I'm considering working in Yangon next year; otherwise, I won't be able to attend university."
In Rakhine and Paletwa regions, there remain nearly 60,000 war-displaced individuals who are unable to return to their homes for various reasons, and they are grappling with a range of challenges, including those related to their livelihoods, health, and access to education.
