The Mon Literature and Culture Committee (Yangon) has established an “Organizing and Youth Sub-Committee” aimed at strengthening unity and cooperation among Mon youth residing in Yangon, officials confirmed.
The new committee was officially formed on February 15 at Pitakat Mon Monastery. It includes patrons, advisory board members, executive members, township representatives, and youth representatives from various townships across Mon State.
According to committee member Mi Mya Aung, the Youth Sub-Committee will serve as a networking platform for Mon youth in Yangon. It will also assist in implementing Mon language education programs and accelerating cultural initiatives.
“In Yangon, the number of people studying Mon literature has steadily declined. While young children can still be found, there are very few students at the Grade 11 and 12 levels attending Mon language classes. It is also difficult for older generations to effectively organize youth. Therefore, we will collaborate with the Youth Sub-Committee to carry out future activities,” she said.
Organizers plan to conduct outreach activities to encourage greater participation in the upcoming summer Mon language courses and to increase interest in cultural training programs among Mon youth in Yangon.
Another official stated that the Youth Sub-Committee and the Mon Literature and Culture Committee (Yangon) will hold monthly coordination meetings to plan and implement future initiatives.
Committee members noted that due to urban lifestyles, educational demands, and employment pressures, many Mon youth in Yangon have shown decreasing interest in Mon religious and cultural activities.
“Youth in Yangon are different from those in Mon State. It is very challenging to mobilize them. If we do not engage them now, there may be no one left in the future to preserve Mon literature and culture,” said Min Khin Sein, a responsible official from the committee.
Although Mon residents in Yangon have provided financial support for ethnic-related initiatives, there has been limited participation in on-the-ground activities, community members said.
The committee has therefore called on all Mon youth currently residing in Yangon Region to actively participate in and support the forthcoming activities of the Organizing and Youth Sub-Committee.
