Mizzima
Lieutenant-General Gun Maw of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) announced that the KIO will expand education in areas under its control and will open 223 new schools for the 2024-2025 academic year.
He made the announcement in a Facebook post on 5 June.
He said that the initiative will bolster the educational infrastructure and enhance access to quality education in KIO controlled areas.
There are already 215 schools in KIO controlled area, once the 233 new schools open this number will jump to 448. Currently, there are 2,600 teachers and 400 educational staff working in the KIO educational system, according to General Gun Maw.
The addition of the new schools will provide comprehensive education in KIO areas from kindergarten to grade 12 (from five to 18 years of age).
General Gun Maw said that schools in KIO areas will include provisions for teaching in local languages and studying literature in those languages. He also explained that the KIO will facilitate the setting up of private schools by other ethnic groups, religious organisations and individuals in KIO areas, to promote inclusivity and diversity in education.
The KIO also currently oversees several higher education institutions, including the Mai Ja Yang Teacher Training College, Mai Ja Yang College, the Administrative Officer Training School, the Diploma School of Agriculture and Livestock, the Nursing Training School, Kachin State Comprehensive University (KSCU), the Federal Law Academy, the Mai Ja Yang Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Military Training School.
General Gun Maw said that students from diverse backgrounds will have the freedom to choose schools according to their preferences. He also emphasised the importance of creating safe learning environments amidst ongoing armed conflicts.
The KIO’s commitment to education dates back to 1967 when it initiated the establishment of schools in areas it controlled.
The KIO Education Department was established in 1978 and since then it has played a pivotal role in advancing educational initiatives. Also, since 2010 the KIO has permitted private schools to operate in the areas under its control.
