Despite the reopening of government schools in Kawt Bein and Kawtpauk villages near the Mon State and Karen State border at the end of June, students are reportedly unable to attend classes safely.
Local residents have reported that military junta forces have stationed themselves near the schools on the outskirts of the villages. Due to attacks by resistance groups using drones, the safety of the students is compromised.
Students are attending school in civilian clothes, and school hours are limited to between 9 AM and 2 PM.
“Schools only reopened at the end of June. Students do not wear uniforms. Children and teachers from Kawt Bein, Kawtpauk, and Kawtpalaing go to school in civilian clothes. Classes end by 2 PM, and many teachers from distant areas have not yet resumed their duties. There are only about 400 students attending,” a local resident said.
Due to ongoing disruptions by local resistance groups to prevent the junta’s administrative machinery from functioning, the junta’s education department has instructed students to attend school in civilian clothes for security reasons, according to local sources.
Additionally, parents have been advised not to come to the schools in case of any shooting incidents during school hours and to pick up their children only when it is safe. This information was relayed by a local resident from Kawt Bein.
“There are soldiers near the upper secondary school and its surrounding area. Their posts are close to the school. We frequently hear gunfire these days. Parents have been instructed not to come to pick up their children during incidents. The authorities have assured us that they will ensure the safety of the children. On holidays, children are advised not to play outside,” the resident added.
There are about 30 government schools, including upper secondary schools, along the Mon-Karen border area. Despite their reopening, locals are concerned that classes may not continue until the end of the academic year.
Furthermore, on the night of July 8, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Kawt Bein village due to a drone attack.
The Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) reported on July 5 that residents who have returned to the area continue to face harassment and abuse from junta forces stationed in the villages.
