According to residents and Mon monks, at least four newly constructed Mon National Schools across different Mon regions are expected to open when the new academic year begins on June 1.
Based on IMNA interviews, two primary schools will open in Mudon Township, one primary school in northern Ye, and another in Paung Township under the administration of the Mon National Education Committee (MNEC).
A monk from Ye involved in the school construction said that although there may be difficulties in hiring enough teachers, the main priority is to open the school first and recruit more teachers later if needed.
“In northern Ye, there are only about 20 students and a government school already exists, but we still want to open a Mon National School this year,” the monk said.
Besides the newly built schools, some existing Mon National Schools that are facing space limitations are also expanding with new buildings or undergoing renovation and repairs.
A teacher from the Mon National Education Department said preparations are already underway for the 2026–2027 academic year. Student enrollment will begin during the last week of May, and schools are expected to open on June 1.
“Teachers are preparing for the new school year by repairing schools and returning to their assigned areas, but there are still difficulties finding enough teachers,” the teacher said.
The teacher said that many Mon National School teachers resign after about two years due to low support payments and rising living costs.
Officials from the Mon National Education Committee stated that student numbers are increasing annually due to lower education costs, improved local security conditions, and opportunities for higher education, including access to international schools.
According to last academic year’s records, 146 Mon National Schools with more than 800 teachers were operating in Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi regions, including areas controlled by the New Mon State Party.
In addition, many more Mon National Schools are still being built across Mon areas through joint efforts by residents and Mon monks.
