Schools under the National Unity Government (NUG) in Sagaing Division, Kantablu Township, have to stand on their own this year, according to those assisting local internally displaced persons (IDPs).
An official from the Kanbalu Board of Education explained that due to the lack of financial support from the National Unity Government (NUG), they had to seek assistance for education expenses through People’s Administration and National Unity Government.
"We have not received an education budget yet. Upon inquiring with the relevant individuals, we found out that we need to submit comprehensive information and make a formal request for a budget. When requesting a budget, we must provide detailed information regarding how we intend to utilize the funds and the specific source from which we require it. Despite already submitting a budget request, we were asked to re-submit it ,due to incomplete information. Currently we are in the process of submitting the new budget," he said.
According to the official, during the previous academic year, the National Unity Government (NUG) provided support to a total of 53 schools.Officials from the Kanbalu Board of Education stated that for the current year, the National Unity Government (NUG) has allocated 40 percent of the national budget to the People's Defense Force and 30 percent to the People's Administration. They further mentioned that they are requesting a specific portion of the budget allocated to the People's Administration and the NUG for education purposes.
However, an official from the Kanbalu Township Board of Education stated that they have not yet received any support for education.
"Having monthly expenses for education provided by the NUG would greatly enhance our effectiveness. It would also instill greater trust among the people. Now we are relying on donations, assistance from close friends, relatives, and primarily the general public.I firmly believe that receiving support from the NUG would further bolster our efforts," he expressed.
Kanbalu Township has over 160 educational schools under the National Unity Government (NUG), catering to more than 16,000 students and employing over 1,200 educational staff.
A local assisting IDPs in Kanbalu Township reported that due to frequent combat operations by the Military Council troops, a significant number of children who have fled the war, are the majority of enrolled students in those schools. As a result, the schools are facing many difficulties as they have to stand on their own and cope with the challenges of providing education, and support to the displaced children.
"During my visit to the school, I encountered children who had sought refuge in the forest due to the ongoing war. Their parents, who work in hill-side farming and charcoal production, are compelled to send their children to school solely for the sake of education. However they face financial hardships and struggle to afford it. Moreover, when schools are self-supporting, the burden of teachers' livelihood falls upon the students' parents, resulting in numerous difficulties," he shared.
Approximately 70 percent of the schools in Kanbalu Township are under the administration of the National Unity Government (NUG). However, there are still some schools operating under the control of the Military Council in areas such as urban centre of Kanbalu, Karboe, and Htankone. These regions are predominantly influenced by Military Council troops and Pyu Saw Htee militias.
