Education Promotion: Sustainable Education Programme launched in Taunggyi

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and Shan State Government, the opening ceremony of 2024 Sustainable Education Programme for Taunggyi, Kalaw and Hopone Townships took place in Taunggyi on Sunday.

On the occasion, Patron of the Basic Literacy and Sustainable Education Programme Central Supervisory Committee, Union Minister for Eduation Dr. Nyunt Pe delivered opening remarks, stressing that basic literacy rate of rural people and ethnic nationals need to be accelerated according to the guidance of the Chairman of the State Administration Council.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Education, Nay Pyi Taw council and respective region and state governments, basic literacy activities have started in 4 townships of Shan State (East),  5 townships in Ayeyawaddy Region and 8 townships from Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory in December 2023.

Also, the sustainable education programme is being implemented in Taunggyi, Kalaw and Hopone Townships. According to the Union Report of 2014 Population and Housing Census, the illiteracy rate for aged 15 years and above was about 3.55 million.

The Report of 2019 Interim Population and Housing Census also showed that Myanmar’s adult illitracy rate was about 4.1 million. Therefore, sustainble education programmes will be conducted continuously under both formal and informal education system in line with the 2008 constitution and national education laws.

Among 6 programs of UNESCO’s Sustainable Education Program, Myanmar focus on three programs of accelerating reading habit, increasing income per capita and promoting well-being. He called on administrative bodies, departmental officials, literature and cultural organizations, social organization and philanthropic organizations to make concerted efforts in nation’s basic literacy activities and sustainable education programmes.

Then, Chief Minister U Aung Zaw Aye in his capacity as the Patron of the Shan State Basic literacy and sustainable education programme supervisory committee gave a speech. Next, Director General of the Department of Alternative Education clarified current work implementations.

It was followed by presenting honorary cash awards to the students and providing cash and kind assistance to Kayah State Basic Education teachers and staff. Then, the Union Minister, Chief Minister and party toured around the exhibition featuring basic education and sustainable education activities.

It’s learnt that basic literacy activities were implemented in Taunggyi, Kalaw and Hopone townships during 2023. Those who completed learning basic literacy classes and primary education and those who completed part of primary education are targeted in organizing sustainable education classes and have been provided 3 hours class in a day for 90 days.

After the ceremony, Union Minister Dr Nyunt Pe inspected the Basic Education Middle School (Kone Paw) and Basic Education High School (ShweNyaung) in Taunggyi Township, Basic Education Middle School (WahYonePin) , Basic Education High School (InKhaung), No.8 Basic Education High School, No.10 Basic Education High School (Aung Ban) in Aung Pan of Kalaw Township and coordinated requirements.