According to officials from the Mon Literature and Cultural Committee (Yangon), “The 2025 Mon Literature and Language summer courses” will be available at 14 locations across the Yangon Region starting March 4.
Currently, free Mon language courses are offered in various townships, including Mingalardon, Thanlyin, South Dagon, Thaketa, South Okkalapa, Dawbon, Bahan, North Okkalapa, Hlaing, Mayangon, Hlegu, Hlaingthaya, and Insein.
The Mon National Education Committee (MNEC) has requested the assistance of 19 teachers to provide support and instruction until the courses are completed.
Dr. Min Khin Sein, Chair of the Mon Literature and Cultural Committee (Yangon), stated that the committee has been leading the annual initiation of Mon Literature and Culture courses in the Yangon Region. These courses aim to preserve and promote the language, literature, culture, and traditional customs of the Mon people, who represent a small minority in the region.
“Last year, there were only 13 locations, but this year, we have expanded to 15, including Dawbon and North Okkalapa. Mon youth living in Yangon gradually assimilate into Burmese culture over time. Given Yangon’s diverse population, greater attention is needed to preserve the Mon language, as Burmese is predominantly spoken. Without these schools, there is a real risk that the Mon language could disappear,” he stated.
The Mon Literature and Culture Committee announced that the “2025 Summer Mon Language and Literature Course” in Yangon will be structured at different levels. This includes, Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3—following a curriculum designed for effective learning. Instruction will be provided up to Level 1 within the designated program duration.
“The program runs for one month, with a primary focus on teaching spoken Mon. Basic foundational lessons are also included, as students in Yangon are generally less proficient than children from Mon villages. Upon completion of the course, a closing ceremony will be held, during which outstanding students will be recognized with awards,” said Deputy Chairperson Mi Mya Aung.
Township-level examinations are scheduled for April 5, followed by a closing ceremony on the 6th, where outstanding students will be honoured with awards. The event will also feature traditional Mon cultural dance performances.
The Mon Literature and Culture Organization (Yangon) has called on all individuals dedicated to preserving Mon heritage to collaborate in supporting Mon youth and future generations in the Yangon Region to effectively learn and master the Mon language and literature. This appeal was made through the organization’s official social media page.
Mon language and literature courses, including instruction on the Mon script and speaking skills, are also offered in Karen State, the Tanintharyi Yangon, Bago and Mandalay regions.
Since the cessation of Mon language instruction after 1988, lessons were reinstated under the leadership of monks, beginning in monasteries during the summer months. This practice continues to this day.
