According to Saw Rainbow, organizer of the event, the fellowship is aimed to improve relationship and friendship between local schools. The fellowship organizing committee invited students and teachers from both government schools located in Kyaw Kay Hta and Ta Lae Basic Education Middle School.

Saw Rainbow said that the main difference about this year’s event held in Ta Eu Khee Hta was that Karen students in the government system school joined the event.

“This year it was special as the government schools joined us. Also, there is an increase in number of participating schools. They [government schools] couldn’t join before because we weren’t in contact. But when they heard about our plan they contacted us and we warmly welcomed them to join us.”

Saw Rainbow said that having contact with each other in the old days would have been unlawful, but he said cooperation with the teachers and students from government schools shows that schools under the different systems can cooperate.

A total of 400 teachers and students from 16 schools – Ta Eu Khee Hta, Klay Mo Khee, Mae La Ah Khee, Mae La Ah Hta, Si Poe Khee, Mae Kae, Wa Mi Klar, The K’haw, Maw Poe Khee, Waw Kyaw, and Maw Poe Kay Primary schools and Middle schools under KED and two schools under the government’s system participated.

Naw Paw Lue Lue, a teacher from Ta Lae middle school said, “We came not because they invited us but we wanted to come. The students never had a chance of building friendships like this [at Government school]. I am glad to come and meet the people with the same interests in education. I am also very satisfied with the reaction we had with each other.”

Organizers said that the three-day student fellowship event, held from January 18 to 20, included competitions such as football, Chair-Ball and a running event held during the day while traditional dance, singing, skit, traditional sewing and drawing competitions held in the evening.

Saw Hsa Kue Ku, a student from Si Poe Khee school said he had great time at the event.

“I played football. I also took part in the traditional dance competition. I am happy to meet new friends and teachers. I am glad that this fellowship is organized. I also hope that there will be more like this in the coming years.”

With the goal for students to build confidence in themselves, to love the education and to value the culture, Pai Kyon Township Karen Education Department (KED) has been organizing the student fellowship every year in Wa Mi Kla village tract, Pa-an District. This year is the 16th anniversary and the first time that government schools cooperated.