An Arakanese Education System for All Should Be Implemented, Says Resident

Arakanese Times | November 28, 2024

In Paletwa Township, Chin State, which is under the control of the Arakan Army, preparations are underway to implement the Arakanese education system for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Arakanese education system features a curriculum based on the Rakhine language and includes teachings on Rakhine history and culture.

A Chin resident from Ann Township, Rakhine State, suggested that if the curriculum also incorporates the history, customs, and traditional culture of the Chin ethnic group, it could become a comprehensive and inclusive education system.

“Education should meet the needs of everyone. The Arakan Army’s efforts in this regard are commendable. However, for the education system to truly serve everyone, it must include the customs, traditions, and history of the Chin people. Otherwise, the Chin people may feel their values, national identity, and rights are being diminished, particularly in the educational sector. Including the traditional culture and history of the Chin people as part of the curriculum would respect their identity. All ethnic groups value their heritage, and incorporating it into the education system would prevent the erasure of their history and rights, a pattern often seen under Burmese government and military rule. If the history of the indigenous people in Paletwa is included, it could become a better and more inclusive education system,” the resident told Arakanese Times.

Although the curriculum for the Arakanese education system has been in development for some time, it is expected to be completed this year.

The Arakan Army is also working to implement this education system across all areas under its control, not just Paletwa.

While the system is considered suitable for implementation in Rakhine State, some Chin residents in Paletwa Township have expressed disagreement with its introduction in their region.

A Paletwa resident argued that since Myanmar already allows all ethnic groups to teach their languages and cultures as part of the curriculum, there is no need for an Arakanese education system based on the Rakhine language in the Chin region.

“As a local, I don’t speak for everyone, but here’s my perspective: In Myanmar, Burmese is taught in all schools, and the government has long permitted the teaching of ethnic languages. In our case, we already have our own curriculum for teaching the Chin language and culture, which is provided by the government outside the standard school curriculum. That system works well for us. As Chin people, we should learn our own language alongside Burmese, which is the national language. While some people in our region can speak Rakhine, it’s unnecessary for us to adopt an education system that focuses on the Rakhine language. The current system is sufficient for us,” the resident said.

The resident also highlighted that implementing such a system now might be premature, given the unstable and controlled nature of the region.

Currently, in areas of Rakhine State controlled by the military council, the Burmese curriculum is being taught based on the Burmese language. However, in regions controlled by the Arakan Army, the Arakanese education system is already being introduced.