Myanmar has been home to ethnic conflicts and political discords since independence from Great Britain in 1948. Many decades of discrimination, inequality, and political as well as social conflicts in rural Eastern Myanmar have resulted in poor governance of infrastructure (e.g. roads, water and sanitation facilities, schools and medical facilities) as well as inadequate provision of fundamental services, particularly access to quality education within remote and indigenous areas.
Under the Thein Sein government, a new, more hopeful political system is emerging. However, many tensions remain over political freedoms and ethnic nationality rights. Against this background, education for many children in Myanmar, particularly in the poorer areas or from ethnic minorities, remains problematic.
The government does provide a state-run education system; however it is not free and the system is not run properly since many teachers are not motivated and do not show up for classes. Also, it is becoming more expensive as the government decreases its support and tries to shape national education policies. An alternative to the state-run system is offered by Buddhist monasteries. The monasteries are allowed to operate secular schools, use the government approved curriculum and are free of charge for the students. All levels of schooling at monastic schools are fully accredited by the government and count towards the high school matriculation. They are, however, generally not yet authorised to teach through to the end of high school.
Why Myanmar?