Education in Rakhine Involving Payment with Rice for Learning
Arakha Times (24–November-2024)
In Rakhine State, where clashes persist between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military junta, reports indicate that some areas are resorting to paying rice for education, according to local sources.
Although schools have not been officially closed, fighting has disrupted teaching across the state. Currently, some parents hire teachers for fees ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 MMK, while in certain villages, teachers are being compensated with rice rather than salaries.
Local resident U Maung Naing from Mrauk-U explained that the student attendance rate has dropped due to financial constraints on parents and a lack of interest among some students. “For each grade, hiring a teacher might cost around 200,000 MMK or 150,000 MMK, depending on the circumstances. In some villages, they pay with rice—300 or 400 baskets, for instance, instead of money. However, there are also cases where parents cannot afford it, or students are unwilling to attend school. As a result, the number of students in school has decreased,” he said.
Since clashes resumed on November 13, 2023, restricted transportation by land and water has prevented teachers from traveling to schools, while students avoid attending classes out of fear.
Daily artillery shelling by the military further hampers efforts to reopen schools, locals say.
Consequently, community members have been organizing their own informal schooling. A Mrauk-U resident commented, “Schools are not formally open. We are attending makeshift classes organized within our villages. However, there are no official grade systems. For instance, students who completed Grade 8 last year are studying Grade 9 materials, but even if they pass, these makeshift schools are not recognized by the junta’s education system. It’s more about acquiring knowledge without formal certification.”
Locals emphasize that despite the uncertain future and ongoing fighting, education remains crucial. A parent, U Than Naing, pointed out the necessity of learning even under these circumstances:
“Education is essential regardless of the situation. Whether formal grades are earned or not, acquiring knowledge to participate in society is important. Parents should ensure their children gain some level of education instead of giving up entirely just because formal systems are disrupted.”
Rakhine State has 3,193 schools, comprising 487 high schools, 1,171 middle schools, and 1,535 primary schools.