A primary school in Aungmyay 2 internally displaced people (IDP) camp in Labang Village, Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, is facing financial challenges that are threatening its continued operation.
There are 35 children enrolled at the school which provides education from kindergarten level through to Grade 2 level (seven years of age).
The school charges 20,000 MMK per pupil a month and it has been trying to survive on this budget. The monthly fees collected from the parents cover expenses and anything left over is divided between the five volunteer teachers.
But, the IDP parents are struggling to pay even 20,000 MMK a month due to a lack of income and job opportunities. As a result, keeping the school open has become a financial challenge, according to a camp official at Aungmyay 2 IDP camp who spoke to KNG.
He said: “The children's parents have no income and are struggling to make ends meet. As a result, the school has stopped collecting monthly fees and is now operating with whatever resources it has.”
When the students’ parents cannot afford the fees the school cannot financially support the volunteer teachers which makes it harder for them to survive and continue working as teachers. There are also no funds to buy essential books, school supplies, desks and chairs for the students.
The school first opened on 20 June 2024 and its first academic year is set to conclude at the end of February 2025.
Due to the current financial difficulties and a shortage of staff, it will be very difficult for the school to open next academic year. Camp officials are currently discussing potential solutions that will allow them to keep the school open.
Ko Jacob, a spokesperson for Kachin Human Rights Watch (KHRW) pointed out: “Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that every student has the right to a full education, while Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms that children are entitled to receive a complete education.”
Recently there has also been an epidemic of skin infections including ringworm, afflicting the residents of Aungmyay 2 Camp.
Aungmyay 2 Camp is home to about 130 households, made up of approximately 600 people. They fled from Aungmyay 2 Village and its surrounding areas, also in Waingmaw Township in March 2024, following fierce fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the junta.
Until now, the IDPs have been unable to return to their homes due to escalating military tensions between a KIA and people's defence force (PDF) coalition and the junta and its allied militias in areas of Waingmaw Township.
