The teachers under the Mon National Education Committee of the New Mon State Party are facing heightened challenges due to the significant rise in living costs following the military coup.
Since the coup, the soaring prices have made it exceedingly difficult for Mon school teachers, who earn just over 100,000 kyats per month, to make ends meet, according to the teachers themselves.
Previously, teachers under the Mon National Education Committee earned a basic monthly salary of 95,000 kyats. This year, the salary has been increased to 160,000 kyats.
“With the current cost of living, our salaries are not enough. Food prices have skyrocketed, and what we earn is insufficient. We can barely think about saving; our income doesn’t even cover basic expenses,” a Mon school teacher said.
Before the coup, teachers were able to manage their expenses with their salaries. However, after the coup, general prices have tripled or quadrupled, causing severe financial strain.
Due to these conditions, many teachers, who initially pursued their careers out of passion despite low pay, have left their jobs for better-paying opportunities, with some even seeking work abroad.
“Because our income is no longer enough, some teachers have quit their jobs and gone to work in Thailand to support their families,” another teacher said.
The shortage of teachers has become a significant issue in Mon national schools, with many experienced teachers leaving, leading to a lack of sufficient and qualified educators. Some schools are even closing due to the lack of teachers.
“Many people have left. In our area, we don’t have enough teachers. Some schools have no teachers left and have had to close,” said a teacher from Ye Township.
Mon national schools rely heavily on donations for support, and teachers’ salaries depend on contributions from the Mon community, monks, and donors.
The Mon National Education Committee oversees 148 Mon national schools, with over 800 teachers currently employed.
