Summer Mon language classes have begun opening across Mon-populated areas, according to officials from the Mon Literature and Culture Committee (All Mon Regions).
In Mudon Township, classes were officially launched on February 19th at local monasteries. Other townships have also started organizing classes at monasteries, while some are conducting courses in collaboration with computer and English language training programs.
A senior monk from the Mon Literature and Culture Committee (Mudon) said this year’s classes were opened earlier than usual to avoid overlap with private tuition, computer, and English courses that many students prioritize.
“Mudon Township opens earlier than other areas. Recently, other regions have also started opening classes before Thingyan. As private tuition classes begin earlier, students often lose interest in attending Mon language classes afterward. We open early to ensure children can attend before leaving their villages. Many younger children who have not yet enrolled in tuition classes are joining. The decline in participation is not very noticeable,” the monk said.
In Yebyu, Kawkareik, and Kyainseikgyi townships, enrollment for summer Mon language courses is currently underway. However, organizers are closely monitoring the local security situation.
A resident from Taranar Village noted that classes can be opened in areas with sufficient volunteer teachers, but locations with fewer volunteers face difficulties.
“There are only a limited number of people who can teach during the summer. Some teaching assistants from government schools are helping, but many teachers have suspended their work or taken other jobs and are no longer in the village,” the resident said.
At the same time, some English and computer training schools are offering Mon language instruction alongside their regular programs. As parents increasingly prioritize courses that provide multiple skills, interest in standalone Mon language classes has declined.
Literature activists have urged parents and guardians to encourage Mon youth to prioritize learning their mother tongue.
In Yangon, the Mon Literature and Culture Committee (Yangon) plans to collaborate with its Organizing and Youth Sub-Committee to conduct outreach activities aimed at opening “Summer Mon Language and Speaking Courses” in townships with significant Mon youth populations.
Some summer Mon language classes are held only before the Thingyan holidays, while others run for two months from March to May.
Before the military coup, summer Mon language classes were opened annually in 18 townships. However, due to the current security situation, the number of townships able to host the courses has declined.
