It was a triumph over adversity for 33 resilient students, who persevered through various hardships while residing in an internally displaced people (IDP) camp, were conferred degrees after their Seh Theh College had been brutally demolished by a Junta bombing last year.
On April 5th the graduation ceremony of Seh Theh College took place in a jungle area. In addition to the 33 students who completed their studies in an IDP camp, 9 students, who completed their studies before the Covid pandemic but were unable to collect their diplomas, were also honoured with their degrees.
Despite the midnight bombing by the Junta's Air Force on July 11 last year, which resulted in the complete destruction of Seh Theh College's premises, the college persevered and remained operational.
Maw No Mya, the college's head, highlighted the myriad obstacles students faced in pursuing their education amidst constant aggression and threats from the Junta.
"We witnessed generators and computers being destroyed, and also faced many other hardships. Student accommodation problems also arose, alongside worries from parents and teachers regarding security. Some teachers expressed a desire to teach, but refrained from coming to the college due to safety concerns, while others were prohibited by their own parents from attending”, she explained.
In 2013, the Seh Theh Learning Centre was established in a specific location within Demoso Township of Karenni State. By 2022, it underwent an upgrade and transitioned into Seh Theh College. Presently, the college provides education in four majors: Social Science, Community Development, Information Technology, and Diploma Education.
Maw Saw Myar Htwe, a graduate of Seh Theh College with a degree in Community Development, expressed her aspiration to pursue further studies at an international university.
"I hope to study at a university abroad soon. After that, I aim to contribute to the betterment of my community. If that plan does not work out, I plan to become a teacher at Seh Theh College'', she said.
In the academic year of 2023-24, Seh Theh College had a total of 102 students enrolled. Amidst the heightened armed conflicts in Karenni State, the college was temporarily relocated from Demoso to a site near the Thai border, where it resumed operations.
