At the first graduation ceremony organized by the Mon National Education Department, a total of 235 students from Bop Htaw and the Mon National College attended and received their diplomas.
The ceremony took place on the evening of February 14th at Nyi Sar Camp in the area under the control of the New Mon State Party (NMSP). This graduation marked the fourth ceremony for Bop Htaw students and the first for the Mon National College.
Prominent attendees included Mon monks, community leaders, department officials, Bop Htaw school authorities, the principal of Mon National College, officials from the Mon National Education Committee, graduating students, and their family members.
Diplomas were awarded to 64 students who completed the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic years at Bop Htaw, 170 students from the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 academic years at Mon National College, and one Post Stand student. Some students also attended the ceremony remotely, according to Mi Sada, a leading official of the Mon National Education Committee.
“Today, 135 students attended in person, with additional students joining remotely. Education is the foundation of every ethnic group, and the Mon National Education Department’s ability to award degrees to Mon youth despite numerous challenges is a major achievement for Mon national education,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to donors and supporters for providing sufficient resources as Bop Htaw grew into Mon National College.
Dr. Banya Mon, speaking at the ceremony, encouraged graduates to see their diplomas not as mere pieces of paper but as internationally recognized certificates, enabling them to continue higher education abroad.
“Today is a special and proud day. Earning this degree was not easy. Beyond school lessons, students had to work on many practical tasks themselves. Even without internet access, they managed using generators and other means. My message to young people is: never give up on your dreams. Your rights are yours—seek knowledge and continue learning,” she said.
The Bop Htaw program, launched in 2000, aims to develop English proficiency, teaching experience, and community development skills among Mon youth. In 2022, it was upgraded to become the Mon National College which further expanded access to international educational opportunities.
Currently, Mon National College confers Associate Degrees to students completing three-year programs and recognizes specialized nursing courses as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees.
In the coming academic years, the college plans to offer B.A. degrees in Mon language and cultural studies, social sciences, and education (including management and teacher training) for students completing these programs.
