In Karenni (Kayah) State, five self-reliant schools that had been established to support war-displaced individuals in Hpruso Township have been temporarily closed due to intense clashes occurring between advancing Military Council troops along the Demoso-Hpruso Union Road and local resistance forces.

A school official clarified that the schools underwent temporary closure due to security concerns arising from the ongoing clashes that have persisted since the start of August.

"Yes, our schools have been closed for two weeks now. Not every school in Hpruso Township is closed, but around 5 schools near the fighting have been temporarily shut. The Military Council is attacking, shelling, and even flying reconnaissance planes, which has scared parents from sending their kids to school. We chose to close the schools temporarily because many parents recommended it”, a volunteer teacher told Kantarawaddy Times.

He added that the fighting began in the region on August 2nd, and given the ongoing tense military situation, schools will remain closed until the situation stabilizes.

With fluctuations in the military situation, self-reliant schools are being opened intermittently, leading to disruptions in children's education, and a decline in interest in schoolwork among some students, several school officials said.

"When things settle down, the schools will be able to open again. That's what they're guessing”, another volunteer teacher told Kantarawaddy Times.

In the areas around Hpruso, the Military Council is constantly shelling day and night, and their reconnaissance planes are frequently flying overhead, which makes parents too afraid to send their children to school.

Among the self-reliant schools that have been closed for the past two weeks, there are two high schools and three primary schools.