Promoting Friendship: Free Education For Myanmar Children In Border Town

Children from villages near Myanmar-China border are studying their education at the schools in the border city of Ruili in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Yinjing Elementary School is one of these schools, and it accommodates dozens of students from Myanmar, accounting for more than 30 percent of its total number of students.

Myanmar Student, Jie En said “I love studying at this school, because the campus is beautiful. Besides, I can learn different things and play with many friends here.”

Although they dress differently, students of both countries receive the same education and enjoy equal treatment.

Just like their Chinese peers, the Myanmar children do not need to pay any tuition fees. They are also provided with free breakfast and some other assistance.

Chinese Student, Ai Tun said “I like being friends with my Myanmar classmates. We often play Sepak Takraw and basketball and do homework together.”

Myanmar Student, Xiang Molao said “I like my teachers. They are so nice to me. Whenever I have problems, they always help me.”

Despite coming from two different countries, many of the students here share the same ethnic origin of Dai. So, besides the regular curriculum, the school also offers some special courses for them.

Principal, Yinjing Elementary School of Ruili, Sun Jialiang said “We teach them Chinese, Myanmar and Dai languages with our own textbooks. We hope to promote more exchanges in language and ethnic cultures, and cultivate international friendships from an early age.”

The parents believe a good relationship between the two countries will create better opportunities for children.

Jie En's Mother said “My home is close to China. We send our daughter to this school with the hope that she can learn more and make a good living in China in the future.”

Principal Sun said providing education in this way is an emblem of great love, which will help form lasting friendship for generations to come.