2010: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

September 01, 2010

KRCEE Survey on Post-ten Schools in Refugee Camps

KRCEE(Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity) has conducted a  survey on post-ten schools in 7 Karen Refugee Camps and 2 Karenni Refugee Camps since the beginning of August. Saw Law Eh Moo, a secretary of KRCEE explained, "We are surveying post-ten schools in the refugee camps to find out how many post-ten schools are in a refugee camps, which curriculum the schools use and the impact of using different curriculums, to be able to work closely and effectively in the future."
He added, "We are preparing ourselves to look after those post-ten schools and work together with other donors after ZOA(Zuid Oost Azie) leave in 2012. After completing the survey, it will be easy to provide information about the schools when new donors want to get more details about a school."

The survey has been completed in Htam Hin, Umpian, Mae La, Mae Ra Moe, Mae La Oon, and Karenni Camp #1/2. The survey in Nu Poe refugee camp will be carried out in the first week of September.  There has not been a post-ten school in Daung Yan refugee camp up to now.>>>Back to top

August 28, 2010

KRCEE Evaluated Methematic and Science Curriculum

From the 16th to 27th of August, 2010 in Mae La refugee camp, KRCEE (Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity) which is taking responsibility for Karen education in the 7 Karen refugee camps in Thailand, are reevaluating their curriculum materials, such as in mathematics and science.  KRCEE primary education secretary, Naw Thoo Lei Paw, said, "When we had our education meeting in 2007, everybody agreed to evaluate the curriculum materials each year. Also, in 2008-2009 we provided the curriculum materials, but at this time we are reevaluating them and considering how to improve them for the future."
During July, KRCEE had already created the curriculum syllabus for mathematics and science for the primary level, but the secondary level materials will be done by the end of August.
She added, "We still have many syllabuses to do. For the English syllabus we just finished grade 1, but for grades 2 -12 we use the old syllabuses. Actually, our aim is to complete the social study syllabuses for grades 1 -12 in October. Also the Karen syllabuses, grades 1 -12, will be done in September.”

KRCEE has been working with ZOA(Zuid Oost Azie) for many years in education for the 7 refugee camps in Thailand, but in 2012, ZOA will hand over the education work to UKDF (U-Sa Khanae Development Foundation) and the vocational work to ADRA(Adventist Development and Relief Agency).>>>Back to top

August 27, 2010

Celebrated Wrist Tying Ceremony Throughout Karen Refugee Camps and Karen State

Yesterday, Karen year 15.08.2749 (26.08.2010) was the lunar full moon day and Karen people all around the world celebrated the Wrist Tying Ceremony. (To learn more about Karen history click on these links) (http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs3/karenmuseum-01/ or http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs3/karenmuseum-01/History/migratory_period.htm),
The wrist tying ceremony has been celebrated since at least 2017BC, when Karen people started to move from Te Sat Mae Ywar(Mongolia).
As it was recognized as a special day, all the schools were closed and celebrated the Wrist Tying Ceremony. Thara Hgay Po Hai, who is a secretary of Karen Education Department and once an animist for 24 years said" This Wrist Tying Ceremony was mostly celebrated by the animists. But now, all Karen people celebrate and it is a great opportunity for families to gather once a year, regardless of religion".
The ceremony was widely celebrated in the Refugee camps either. Thara Ka Lay, who is a headmaster of No (1) high school in Noe Poe camp said, "We planned the competition for the students on this special day to make the students to know and respect their own culture and customs. We set up Poetry competition about the Wrist Tying ceremony for grades one through six, essay writing for grade seven to twelve and for the public, there is an article writing competition”.
He added, "in the past, some people think that this day was a religious ceremony, but now, it's been changed. For me, even I though am a Christian; the Wrist Tying day was a cultural gift that was left by our ancestors and not religious". This special Wrist Tying Ceremony was also celebrated for the first time in the KTTC (Karen Teacher Training College) School in Ho Kay. Over 200 Students, teachers, and local villagers  all joined the ceremony for spiritual service.>>>Back to top

August 24, 2010

Higher School Dormitory Fee Causes Karen State Students Leave Classes, and Seek Education in Refugee Camp Where They Face Food Shortage

A source from Duplaya District said some students who attend SPDC(State Peace and Development Council) schools were forced to end their schooling due to too higher dormitory  fees. The new dormitory fee is about 230,000 kyats.
P'doh Sa Canady, who is in charge of Duplaya Education Department said, "This kind of issue happen mostly in Waw Raw Township. But the dormitory fee can be reduced to 150,000 Kyats if the students cook and wash their clothes by themselves. Because of the high dormitory fees, I could see that 70% of students had stopped their schooling and when I found out the real situation, it was because they couldn't pay the dormitory fees."
Karen State students who could find a way to come to the refugee camp are now facing a problem with the food supply.
Naw Poe, an in charge of Nu Poe Education, who looks after Karen State Dormitory Students said, "The Students who enter the refugee camp in 2010 don't get any food supplies, which are provided by TBBC (Thai-Burma Border Consortium). Therefore, we have to find any possibility to get food for them. Due to this consequence, some students have left the school and returned back to Karen State."
Even though the students don't get any food supplied to them, they still receive other supplies such as school uniform, umbrella, tooth paste/brush and soap provided by COEER (Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees).>>>Back to top

August 23, 2010

All Schools From 7 Karen Refugee Camps Sit the Exam for the 2010-11 Academic Year

All the schools in the seven Karen refugee camps finished the first academic exams for the 2010-11 school year during the week 15th to 19th of August.
Saw Say Pa Htoo, an education coordinator from Mae La camp said, "KRCEE (Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity) set up an exam week schedule for us; however, it became necessary for us to adjust the timing as during the planned exam week some schools and students had to confirm their registration or get their food quota from the TBBC(Thai Burma Border Consortium). Therefore, we had to postpone the exams for some schools to another week."
Some Refugee Camps needed to adjust the timing for different reasons. Naw Poe, a coordinator of Education from Nu Poe refugee camp said, "We require two weeks in which to complete the exams due to a shortage of classrooms in our camp. The exam rules state that a maximum of two students may sit at one table for an exam."
KRCEE sets up academic exams three times per school year. The first exam session is in August, the second is in November and the final exam in March. >>>Back to top

August 21, 2010

Encouragement Between Karen Youth Leaders and Students in Regfugee Camps

From August 10th  – 14th, representatives from KYO (Karen Youth Organization), KSNG (Karen Student Network Group), KORD (Karen Office of Relief and Development) and KTWG (Karen Teacher Working Group) went to Mae Lo Oo and Mae La MaLaung refugee camps to encourage camp youth to participant in community field work for their community’s future at a time when many camp residents are resettling to third countries.
The aims of the meeting were: for the youth studying in the camps to build stronger connections with and gain encouragement from youth leaders from Karen CBOs (community based organizations), to get to know more about the current political system, and to learn more about schools and the lives of students and teachers living in Karen State. Camp youth were also able to gain general knowledge and have an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from Karen youth leaders about issues including: Burma’s 2010 government election and the KNU (Karen Nation Union) role in politics today.
During the meeting, the secretary of KYO, Saw Rocky Ku Pee T'Ka said, “The main reason that we are here is to encourage the youth who are studying now so that when they finish their studies they will participate in the work that we are doing for the community, especially now that, due to resettlement, there are so many empty positions in Karen CBOs in the Thai-Burma Border area. That's why, at this point we are trying to inform camp youth about the situation happening in our community right now and give them some more encouragement. "
In this meeting it was particularly important for the youth to learn more about the nature and work of Karen CBOs. To support this, each of the organizations represented at the meeting clearly explained about themselves and their activities and suggested ways in which camp youth could participate in future.  Just as the KNU set up the 7th Unity Seminar to discuss important issues and make decisions concerning the future of the Karen community, KYO and KSNG need to take responsibility and follow up the issues raised with camp youth during this recent meeting by traveling to each of the remaining camps and further encouraging NGO and CBO participation. >>>Back to top

August 18, 2010

Mae La Library Number 5 Re-open Ceremony and Mother's Day Celebration

One of the six libraries in Mae La Camp was badly damaged in a fire on 8 May 2010. The fire had started in the KYO (Karen Youth Organization) building but had spread rapidly to #5 library, which is in Zone C.  After this incident the SVA (Shanti Volunteer Association) received support from some Japanese citizens to renovate the library, and to transform it into a half-permanent building. The renovation was started in mid June and completed on August 8th.
The opening ceremony of the library was held on August 10, at 10:00am. There were more than ninety participants from different organizations involved in the celebrations: including a MOI (Ministry of Interior) representative, Shanti Volunteer Association(SVA) Asia Regional staff, Camp Committee members, Camp Education coordinators, library committees, TYV (Toshokan Youth Volunteer), library camp base staff and some SVA national staff.

The ceremony started with a speech from Mr. Yagisawa San, the SVA Asia Regional Director and the representative of MOI. He said “We were saddened by the fire damage to the library, and we felt its loss for the three months it was closed. However, with the support of Japanese citizens and many people in the camp, we are now delighted to be able to re-open it today. For our physical development we need food but for our mental development we need stories, so we hope that many children will come to the library and enjoy both reading and participating in library activities with their friends.”
On August 14, the library was also used for Mother’s day celebrations in Mae La camp.  Two hundred and sixty-six participants took part in the festivities including Camp residents, the UN-Japanese Embassy representative, IOM's representative, KYO's representative and many children. Ms. Jiraporn, the SVA Project Manager for Thailand attended the event. She said, "After the ceremony, the children thoroughly enjoyed listening to stories, watching the TYV puppet show and joining in with many other activities. There were also many children simply enjoying the opportunity to read books by themselves".

Mae La camp libraries are supported by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affair-Japan) and  UNHCR. >>>Back to top

August 09, 2010

DKBA's Mining and Logging Business Forces Schools to Close

A source from Dwe Loe township said four DKBA regiments (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, regiments #333, #666, #777 and #999) are setting up their camps in Kwee Day Law, Wa Thoe Kla and Mae Tae villages, forcing schools to close. Saw Kaw Khee La, a head of Dwe Loe Education said, "For security reason, DKBA troops are placing landmines everywhere while they are doing mining and logging along the Mae Klae River bank. Villagers fear stepping on a landmine, forcing villagers to relocate to other villages."

>>>Back to top

August 04, 2010

KTTC Monthly Competition

On July 31, 2010, KTTC (Karen Teacher Training Collage) organized the second monthly competition for the students; this month it was a debate competition. The title of the debate was "Education is More Important than Health"
KTTC Head Master Thra Tha Taw said "From my perspective, it’s good for the students to have a competition like this which encourages them to express themselves clearly. The competition also helps develop their skills in public speaking and defending their arguments and builds their confidence. Although in reality Education and Health can be considered equally important, the exercise of having to debate the importance of one over the other encourages the students to develop their ability to think and speak critically and they learn from each other during the competition.”
During their time at KTTC, students participate in many activities which support them to consider different perspectives on the same issues. A first year KTTC student who competed in the debate competition said, "It was a first for me. Before I’d never been in a competition like that. Actually, I like this kind of competition because it teaches us to speak bravely in front of a group, learn from each other and learn about the debate topic."
The school has organized monthly competitions every school year and this was the 2nd competition in the 2010-11 academic year.>>>Back to top

August 02, 2010

Th'dah Der School Reopen

Saw D'gay Junior, The head of Mutraw District’s Education Department said Th'dah Der School which was burnt by Burma Army MOC#10 (Military of Command) will continue classes within the week.
He said, "We cannot fully guarantee security in the area, but we also don't want students to miss classes. Therefore, I ordered the tract and township leaders to rebuild the school in a safe area."
Th'dah Der village was burnt by LIB (Light Infantry Batallion) 361 and 370 on July 23rd 2010, totally destroying the school, the church and the village houses. >>>Back to top

July 27, 2010

Villagers Flee Fearing Possible SPDC and DKBA Attack But Thai Authority Ask Them to Return Home

On the 25th of July 2010, about 500 Karen Villagers fled across the border to Thailand from Wa Mee Hta, Lay Gaw, Hsone Hsee Myine and Thay Baw Boe villages after news spread of a possible attack by a DKBA and SPDC alliance.
This has affected education in the area and the 4 villages’ schools have had to close indefinitely.
The incident occurred after DKBA's Brigade #5 Brigadier, Saw Lah Pwei (Hnakan Mway), rejected the SPDC's Border Guard Force (BGF) proposal for a joint attack.  Although Saw Lah Pwei did not agree to join in the attack, the rest of the area DKBA forces did accept the SPDC’s proposal.
The area news source reported that the villagers fled in fear after Brigadier Saw Lah Pwei ordered village heads to protect against the possible attack from the DKBA and SPDC alliance.
Naw Silia Paw, a Karen Women Organisation (KWO) staff member who was in the area helping the villagers said, " Soon after we arrived in Thailand, Thai soldiers showed up and asked the villagers to return to their villages."
She added, "The Thai soldiers told the Karen villagers that there is no sense in them fleeing from Burma to Thailand when there is no attack, but that they could cross the border anytime if an attack does occur."

>>>Back to top

July 25, 2010

SPDC Burnt Village and School

On 23.07.2010 the SPDC Troop (State Peace Development Council) burnt down the Th'Dah Der village during the night. P'Doh Pa Gaw who is responsible for that area said, "The SPDC troop stayed at the village until yesterday, 24/7/2010 and at 11:00 PM they started to burn the village, schools and Church.  The SPDC troops left when they had burnt down all the houses in the village."
On Wednesday, the villages got a message from the local security that SPDC troops were entering Th'Dah Der village.  “This was why we closed the school and now we have no idea when we will be able to reopen our school again”, reported P'Doh Pa Gaw.
According to our school records for 2010-2011 there are 12 teachers and 217 students in the Th'Dah Der village Middle School.  >>>Back to top

July 21, 2010

Youth Exchange

From the 2nd to 16th July, Karen youth from Australia, the Thai-Burma border and Karen State met together, exchanged their experiences and learnt about different Thai-Burma border based organizations' activities. During the15 days meeting, the youth were divided to 2 groups. Group 1 went to learn about Karen community based organizations in the Mae Sot area and group 2 went to learn community based organization in the Mae Sariang area.
Saw Tha Taw, one of the organizers, explained that the aim of organizing the exchange workshop was to encourage Karen youth to learn Karen organizations' activities and to strengthen connections between young Australian Karen and border Karen communities and support them to work more strongly together for peace and freedom.
He added, "Our main aim is to encourage young Australian Karen to return back to border and volunteer with the Karen organizations."
This was the first youth exchange workshop organized by the Australian Karen Foundation (AKF). There were 12 participants from Australia and 12 participants from Thai-Burma border and Karen State, representing the Karen Student Network Group (KSNG), Karen Environment and Social Action Network (KESAN) and the Karen Teacher Working Group (KTWG).
Naw Ei Mer, a young Karen who resettled in Melbourne, Australia said, "It is very valuable for me that I was chosen to participate in this workshop. I'm living amongst a majority of English speaking people and my moral is very low in terms of working for the Karen community. I thought I could never work for my people, but when I came back to visit the Karen community based organizations on Thai-Burma Border, my moral was positively changed. I know now that I can serve my people by working amongst my community."
When asked about the future of these workshops, Saw Tha Taw explained that future youth exchange workshops will depend on the success of this pilot workshop and financial support. >>>Back to top

July 20, 2010

SVA Ornanized Poem Writing and Art(Drawing) Competition

A source from SVA (Shanti Volunteer Association) said that a poem writing and art (Drawing) event successfully took place in the 7 Karen refugee camps. There were two steps in the competition: the first was to write poems and the second was to draw accompanying pictures for the poems.  The competition began in February and finished at the end of June.
Th'ramu Say Lar Paw, a SVA project Manager, explained that, "Our main slogan for this competition was 'Make our world better, Make our lives better'. The aim was to encourage young refugee children to demonstrate their skills and improve their thinking abilities by drawing pictures. Another aim was to let promote public awareness about protecting the environment.”
 Saw Eh Hser from Noh Poe refugee camp won 1st prize for writing poem while Saw Lah May Say and Saw Kaw Th'blay received with 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. In the picture drawing competition, Saw Dee Ku Naw from Umpiem Mai refugee camp took the1st prize.  Naw Nan Sar Bwa got 2nd prize and Saw Hay Ler from Mae La Oon got 3rd prize. >>>Back to top

July 07, 2010

Monthly Competition for KTTC Students

On July 5, 2010, KTTC (Karen Teacher Training Collage) organized the first monthly competition for the students; this month it was a poem competition. KTTC vice head mistress Thra mu Paw Lu Lu said, "mainly, we organize the competition for the students as we want them to use their skills, critical thinking and their own ability without just learning from the classroom  and books. Competing in groups makes them less embarrassed, and helps them to become braver in speaking in front of other people. It gives them a skill to carry into their future life, for the most important thing for them is to sustain our traditions and tell others the positive issues about our tradition and culture through the competition."
There are many activities for the KTTC students to learn from on both the sites during their time in KTTC.  Thra mu Paw Lu Lu add, "Every month at KTTC we will organize an interesting competition for the students on many different types of topics."
The school has organized monthly competition every school year and this was the 1st competition in the 2010-11 academic year. >>>Back to top

July 02, 2010

Video Games Negatively Effect Students

In many areas in Burma, students attend extra tuition classes outside of regular school hours to help them with their studies. An extra tuition tutor from Taungoo has reported that at the beginning of June, students from 7th to 10th standards have been doing less homework after playing video games regularly and their overall participation in studies has dropped.
The tutor who wishes to remain anonymous explained, “The students are coming to extra tuition classes less often and when they do show up, they are often late for class. The parents said their children are leaving the extra tuition classes regularly. I have found out that they are going to the video game shop.”
The video game industry is growing rapidly in Burma. Video game shops are becoming more common in cities and towns and are increasingly popular with students. For these reasons, students from Taungoo are spending more of their time visiting video game shops after classes and during lunch times. This is having negative affects on their studies.
A source from the internet (see link below) states that the video game industry is now over 30 years old. In that time, computer technology has improved at a geometric rate. The potential for computers and video games to support learning was clearly recognized in the 1980s when there was a nationwide push in the US to get computers into the classrooms. Unfortunately, computers and video games can also have negative affects on children and young peoples’ learning and attention, especially outside of the classroom. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children not spend more than one to two hours per day in front of all electronic screens, including TV, DVDs, videos, video games (handheld, console, or computer), and computers (for non-academic use).
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0816/is_6_21/ai_n9772319/. >>>Back to top

June 30, 2010

Burma Issues is Supporting Dormitories for Karen State Students

According to a source from Burma Issues (BI), in the beginning of the 2010 school year, the organization has expanded, building two more dormitories in Karen State.
Saw Mort, a member of BI staff said, “Communities have requested dormitories for their students who are living far from villages where schools are located. In response, we have built two more dormitories this year in Nwa Lay Koh village, Kler Lwee Htu District and Nah Yo Hta village, Mutraw District.”
The organization has supported one dormitory since 2008 in Lay Ther Koh village, Mutraw District. A dormitory can accommodate 30 students who are also provided with rice, salt, chilies, soap, tooth brushes and tooth paste.
Saw Mort said that BI also has a future plan to organize storytelling and community libraries for the students in Karen State. In addition, BI is also organizing art (drawing and painting) training in the refugee camps in Thailand and in Karen State in cooperation with the Karen Student Networking Group (KSNG).>>>Back to top

June 29, 2010

Teacher Profiles for the 2010-11 Academic Year Collected by KRCEE

KRCEE (Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity) is the organisation responsible for education within the seven refugee camps in Thailand. They have recently completed collecting the camp schools’ profiles for the 2010-2011 academic year. The number of teachers for 2010-2011 in each camp is as follows: Mae La Oon  307, Mae Ra Ma Laung 301, Mae La 468, Umpuim 219,  Noe Poe 207, Dong Yan 126, and Htam’ Him 176.
Thara Mu Paw Ku Thay, KRCEE in charge of operation and administration said, “ Although more teachers resettled to third country, we were still able to recruit sufficient replacement teachers in time for the start of the academic year. Therefore, I couldn’t see any gaps compared with last year’s teacher profile. In fact, the number of teachers is even increasing in some refugee camps.”
According to the teachers’ profile collected by KRCEE for 2009-2010, the number of teachers for each camp last year were: Mae La Oon   281, Mae Ra Ma Laung 238, Mae La 547, Umpuim 229, Noe Poe 100, Dong Yan 66 and Htam’ Him 96. These were the teachers who received support from ZOA. >>>Back to top

June 17, 2010

KED Dovelops Teacher to Student Ratio Policy

During the Karen Education Department (KED) Annual meeting held from May 10-12, a number of important policy decisions were taken to improve the overall quality of education throughout Karen State.  One of the most important decisions is that schools are expected to have a minimum ratio of 15 students to 1 teacher. This policy will take effect immediately.
Scott, the former Karen State Education Assistance Group (KSEAG) Executive Director explains that KSEAG will follow the new policy when providing education assistance to schools.  He said, “In terms of teacher subsidy support, KSEAG will continue to provide teacher subsidies for all teachers – so long as the teacher-student ratio is met.   For example, if a school has 4 teachers and 80 students (the ratio being 1 teacher to 20 students) then all teachers will receive support.  However, if a school has 4 teachers and 48 students (the ratio being 1 teacher to 12 students) then teacher subsidy support will only  be for the teacher number that fits the students (in this case, 3 teachers).  In such cases, the subsidies for 3 teachers will be divided evenly amongst the four teachers.  It is the responsibility of the school committee to choose how many teachers they will have in their school.”
The fomer KSEAG Executive Director went on to explain that small schools, sometimes referred to as ‘Home’ schools, would need to attach themselves to larger schools in the area.  He explained, “Over the past years KSEAG had seen a number of schools with one teacher and only 8 or 9 students.  While, in some cases we understand the need for these small schools because of distance and security reasons, it is necessary that they attach themselves with larger schools for proper management of the education system as well as to meet minimum policy standards.  It does not necessarily mean that they need to send their students to the larger school, but it does mean that they need to combine their statistics with the larger school’s statistics, share a school number, and receive education assistance as one school.”
The former director concluded by saying, “It is up to local school committees to decide how many teachers their schools will have – to decide themselves what the teacher-student ratio will be.  KSEAG will follow KED policy and provide assistance accordingly.  I think this is a good and fair policy.   This year, we will increase the teacher subsidy that we provide.  For most teachers, this will mean an increase in the amount they receive.  For schools where the teacher-student ratio is higher than the KED policy, than this increase will need to be divided accordingly.  We need all education leaders and teacher trainers to explain the new KED policies clearly to school committees, teachers and parents so that there is no misunderstanding.” >>>Back to top

June 14 , 2010

MTTs Are Heading to Second Cycle

On, June 12, 2010 MTT (Mobile Teacher Trainer) are returning to their own Townships and Districts for their second tour of going inside Karen State. The MTT coordinator Thara Mu Htee said "The plan that we have set up is designed for them to provide the most benefit possible. This time we are hoping that they will be very helpful to the Township and District Education leaders, to advise them, to collect the school profile forms and give them suggestions on their education system based on our experience. Especially, we will be going to meet our community, Schools, Teachers, students and parents as they are located in the remote mountains and jungle and will bring them hope and encouragement of their future."
The main focuses of the second cycle for MTTs is to provide Parent Education to the parents, give teacher training to the teachers, observe teachers in their teaching and if needed give them more advise in their teaching style. We will also be collecting school profile forms and evaluating the Karen Newsletter.  
The Mobile Teacher Trainer’s year is divided into 3 cycles, February to April, June to September and October to January. >>>Back to top

June 09 , 2010

Emerging Leader School Closing Ceremony

The Emerging Leader School has recently celebrated its closing ceremony on the 31st of May, 2010. This year’s graduating class of 14 young prospective Karen leaders represent a variety of Karen community organizations including: the Karen Women Organization(KWO), Karen Office for Relief and Development(KORD), Karen Teacher Working Group(KTWG), Karen Women Action Group(KWAG), Karen Environment and Social Action Network(KESAN) and Karen Student Network Group(KSNG).
Graduate Naw Paw Kler who represents KTWG said, “It was very beneficial for me to attend this school. In the past, I didn’t feel confident to stand in front of a crowd and I had never stood and given a speech in front of people. Now, I have gained confidence and experience in public speaking.”
The Emerging Leader School was established in 2008 as a 10-month program of study. The following courses are taught at the school: Karen History, Burmese History, Human Rights, Democracy, Introduction to Gender, Introduction to Economics, Introduction to the United Nations, ASEAN and their policies towards Burma, Introduction to EU and their policies on Burma, Asian Countries and their policies on Burma, Country Case Studies, Policy Making, Public Speaking, Introduction to Media and News Briefing, Research Skills, and English.
Unfortunately, the Emerging Leader School is facing a funding crisis for the upcoming 2010-11 academic year. Tharamu Naw Siyo Paw, a full time teacher at the school explained, “We still have not been able to find any donors who will support the school for the 2010-11 academic year. Therefore, we plan to close the school for one year and re-open again in the next year.” >>>Back to top

June 03 , 2010

KTWG Annual Meeting

On May 27, 2010, KTWG (Karen Teacher Working Group) had its annual meeting to evaluate the work of the previous year.  Each section of the organization was reviewed with both strengths and weaknesses identified and discussed.
Pre-Service section coordinator Saw That Taw said, “It is very important for every organization to evaluate and look back on its processes.  It’s means that we can identify our weaknesses and at the same time share our progress between sections and work to be better for the future.”
For the annual meeting, 30 of the 32 member attended. The aim of the meeting is to evaluate every section’s work and provide the means for them to improve their work in the future.
 KTWG has a formal structure for the whole organization including individual structures for each section. For the work processing, the Central Committee meet every 3 months with all members meeting once a year for its annual meeting at the end of May.  >>>Back to top

June 01 , 2010

3 Groups of KTTC Studnents Graduate and reunion

On May 13, 2010, 3 groups of KTTC (Karen Teacher Training College) students graduated with a Diploma. These Diplomas was presented by the KED (Karen Education Department) Chair person P'doh Lah Say. The graduation of the first group was for those who had finished the first two years of study at KTTC and totaled 15 students, the second group of 23 students where for those who had completed two years of study and two years work in the field, (4 years in all). The final group totaling 14 students were for those who had 6 years teaching experience.
Saw Lah Say, a chair person of KED (Karen Education Department) give encouragement to the graduating students in the opening ceremony and said,  " As the other country, when the students are graduated like that they government are keep them very valuable for the top, also we are also keep you very valuable for this graduation ceremony. We also satisfy with this because I 'm sure that you will be very thankful to your self and the work that you have done,  and keep them  very importantly for your self and be proud of your self as you are a graduate person. And the last things I want to say,  as we have got a good chance of doing this by our self  and we can still do it, it's make us very useful and grateful to us, we don't really need other nation come and do it for us."

Following next day, there were another event took place, KTTC Reunion, the same as last year and also there are 7 District of Education workers are coming and participating to the reunion.  In The other side, The KTTC students who were graduated from the last are coming back even their long journey they come and join to the reunion to share their experiences of the teaching life, sharing the Information when they are in their own field work, moreover, to get to know more skills and General Knowledge's from their friends at the reunion.

MTT (Mobile Teacher Trainer) Coordinator Thara Mu Htee said, " I can feel is good because we are now more active than before also this reunion providing to us such as,  to built up the strength and energy to the Karen teachers willing to work more of the future, teachers and students are being with the full confidence in their field work because of seeing the good work of we have done with them as a reunion sharing and more over teachers and students are keep the understanding with town ship and District leader in their field work because in this reunion those leaders are participate and realize the situation." Last Year, there was a graduation and two groups of KTTC students were graduated at the same time there was a KTTC reunion. And this year also KTWG (Karen Teacher Working Group) already provide this Reunion for two years to evaluate the work and the progress of sharing the experience. >>>Back to top

May 25, 2010

KTTC Entrance Exams Completed

For 3 days, between the 18th and 20th of May, the new students attending KTTC (Karen Teacher Training College) took their entrance exams. The students are tested in all subjects, with exams written by specialized teachers.

Deputy Headmaster, Thramu Paw Lu Lu said, "We set the exams to establish their ability and knowledge in each subject, having a baseline from which to teach. We are also able to see which subjects they excel in and which they find more challenging. In year 2, the students are divided into 2 groups, Science and Arts, and this will be partially decided upon from these exams."

The students complete examinations in Science, English, Karen, History, Mathematics, Burmese and Geography. One of the aims of the exams is to give the students an opportunity to recall what they have learnt in the past and to identify which areas they need to focus on. It also shows them the standard expected at KTTC and encourages them to try their best.

Saw Hser Moo, a new Year 1 student, said, "I know I have to try hard in my studies. These exams are a bit difficult for me but it is a good way to start my life at KTTC."

Naw Hser Gay Paw, a new Year 1 student, said, "The most difficult exam for me was the Karen language exam, as in my village we speak Karen and Burmese but I was never taught Karen in my school. I cannot read or write Karen, which is why is was very hard for me."

For the 2010-2011 academic year, there are 10 full-time teachers at KTTC, with 34 new Year 1 students and 31 Year 2 students. The Year 1 students are representatives from 5 districts, Kler Lwee Htu, Taungoo, Doo Tha Htu, Mutraw and Doo Pla Ya, whilst the Year 2 students are representing all 7 districts.>>>Back to top

May 24, 2010

Training of Teacher Trainers

From 19th April until 14th May, the BMWEC (Burmese Migrant Workers Education Committee) provided training for both new and experienced teacher trainers. The training took place in Mae Sot, on the Thai-Burma border, with 25 participants, included representatives from KTWG (Karen Teachers Workers Group), KED (Karen Education Department) and other ethnic groups, and 3 trainers.

One participant, Thra U Be Poe, from KED, said, "This training was very good as it reminded me of the different ways we learn and this will help me when I give trainings. It also helped me to identify how to organize lessons and trainings, so I feel very happy I could attend this training."

Trainers from WE (World Education) and BMWEC facilitated the training, which focused on teaching skills, subject techniques and methodologies.

Thra U Be Poe also said, "From the training I received here I have developed my skills and when I return to working in the field, I will be able to teach the teachers and the students better, increasing their understanding of lesson structure and content." >>>Back to top

May 23, 2010

Lost A Leg But Still Want to Be A Teacher

Saw Blut Wah, 21 years old, completed his high school education in an IDP camp, Ee Htu Hta, in Karen State, with hopes of attending KTTC (Karen Teachers Training College). On 10th May he arrived at KTTC, ready to learn how to be an effective teacher for his community, representing the Ee Htu Hta area.

Saw Blut Wah said, "No-one from my own village is able to support my application to attend KTTC, which is why I represent Ee Htu Hta camp. I would like to teach in Ee Htu Hta camp for 2 years when I graduate, and then return to my own village to help my community build their levels of education."

Saw Blut Wah was born on July 17th, 1989 in Hto Poe Moe Der village, Bu Tho Township, Mutraw District. He was 11 years old when he entered Standard 1, and during the school holidays, as he was returning from helping his father, Saw Kya Bow, on their farm, he stepped on a SPDC (State Peace Development Council) landmine and immediately lost a leg.

"Even though I lost a leg, I was not sad as I concentrated on continuing my studies, and trying hard even when I faced difficult situations. My parents always gave me encouragement and have supported my studies. When I was offered a place at KTTC, I felt very happy and strong enough to complete the course. Even when I see my new friends, with 2 legs, I do not feel disheartened; I believe that whatever they can do I can do too. I know I will struggle but I will be honest and try to achieve my goal, which is to be a good teacher for the next generation." He added.

KTTC Headmaster, Thra Tha Taw, said, "I believe he has chosen the right school for him, as even though he has lost a leg, he is full of energy to continue his studies. It makes us very happy that he wanted to attend KTTC. He has shown he is capable of, and has the enthusiasm to become a teacher and he reminds us of how important it is that we continue working for the future education of our people."

" >>>Back to top

May 06, 2010

2 Children and 1 Woman Died Whilst Returning Home

On the 22rd of March, at 4:30 PM, Burma Army troops LIB 369, from MOC 10 entered Kaw Hta village, Ler Doh Township, Kler Lwee Htu District and shot and killed 1 woman and 2 children. The incident occurred while Naw Pah Lah a Ko Lu villager who was traveling back from Ler Taw Lu after visiting her parents. Naw Pah Lah’s daughter, Naw Paw Bo, a 5 year old girl and her friend Naw La Pwey, a 37 year old woman died immediately. Naw Pah Lah was shot in the back as she carried her 5-month-old boy, Saw Hta Pla Htoo; the baby was hit in the thigh. The 5-month-old child did not die immediately, but two and a half hours after the 4:30 p.m. attack. Sourced from a Free Burma Ranger internet report. >>>Back to top

May 04, 2010

Refugee Students drown whilst Searching For Shells

On the 28th April, 2010, Saw Ler Htoo, 20, a Grade 6 student from section 7, Mae La Oon refugee camp, drowned whilst searching for shells. The incident took place in Muay River at 9:40am. Muay River is located 4 kilometers from Mae La Oon refugee camp and often students travel there in search of fish and shells during the summer time.
Saw Kaw Wah, Mae La Oon camp leader, said, “The percentage of students searching for fish and shells during the summer time is higher than any other season. It’s easier to search for fish and shells in this season. In rainy season the rivers always flood, making it very difficult for people to search for their favorite food, and we do not hear of people drowning whilst searching for shells and fish during this season.  But in the summer, the water level is low, making it easier to cross; but the refugees do not pay attention to the dangers of the strong current, therefore there are many accidents during this time. A week before this accident, there was another drowning in section 1 in the Mae Sariang River. A father and son, aged 11 years old, drowned searching for fish and shells.”
Section 4 Security member, Saw Htay Soe, said, “Many people search for fish during the summer time. We take responsibility to look after them ensure they return to camp safely. But we can’t control them; they find new secret way to get out of the camp.”
On 29th April, 2010, another incident took place in Section 6A. Saw Law Eh Moo, a 1 year old boy, drowned in a water bucket whilst his mother was collecting their rations and his father was asleep.  >>>Back to top

April 28, 2010

Burma Army Shot and wounded Ha Toe Per Teacher

On February 23rd, Burma Army LIB 427 which is under MOC 7 entered See Keh Der village and shot Naw Susanna, 27years old, a primary teacher from Ha Toe Per village wounding her in the thigh while they shot dead Saw Ta Doh Wah, the father of Naw Susanna. The incident occurred when the Burma Army, in a surprise attack, were attempting to force villagers to become potters.
Saw Hsit Poe, who is involved in security for that area said, “The Burma Army shoot everyone if the villagers don’t come to face them. They think that all the villagers who run away are Karen Soldiers. In fact, those men are afraid of carrying ammunition for the Burma Army.
After the Burma Army shot Susanna’s father, they bound his legs with chains and killed outside the village.
See Keh Der and Ha Toe Per villagers are located in Kho Khee track, Htaw T’htu township, Taungoo District.>>>Back to top

April 27, 2010

Institute of Higher Education's (IHE) First Graduation

IHE program, which operates in Mae La, Noh Poe, Umpiumai, Mae La Oon and Mae Ra Moe, celebrated their first graduation  during the first and second week of April.
Saw Law Eh Moo, a secretary of IHE said, “There were 74 students, from all 5 refugee camps, who were the first graduates from the lower division.”
IHE program was established in 2008 which provides a variety of courses over 2 years. Saw Law Eh Moo added, “We don’t want to extend the course for another year for those students who did not pass the exam. We provided a supplementary program for those students, who then retook the exam.” >>>Back to top

April 21, 2010

Karen Young Women Leadership Students Returned From Their Field Trip

Naw Ta Mla Saw, A school project coordinator said that Karen Young Women Leadership Students (KYWLS) all arrived back to their school compound early in the 1st week of April.
The field trip takes place every year to let the students learn about community daily life; specifically women and children’s needs, then write a report when they come back.
KYWLS students were divided into 8 groups. 6 groups of the students went to Refugee Camps such as Nu Poe, Umpium, Mae La, Mae Ra Moe, Mae La Oon and Ei Tu Hta and the other 2 groups went to Mu Traw and Du Th’htu Districts in Karen State.
Naw Hser Nay Kaw, who comes from Maguy-Tavoy and participated in the field trip to Du Th’htu District said, “ I’m eager to attend this school because I don’t see any Karen Women participating in a Management role. I will act as an active woman leader when I go back to my district.”
KYWLS which is located in Mae Ra Moe Karen Refugee camp was founded in 2001 and 7 groups have graduated to date. Leadership, Time Management, Office Management, Communication Skill, Proposal and Reporting, Democracy, Human Rights, Women Rights, Child Rights, Gender Awareness, Karen Women Organization (KWO) Constitution, KWO activities basic English are taught at the school. >>>Back to top

April 19, 2010

Wide Horizons Finished Their Learning Process in 2009-2010

Wide Horizons school celebrated closing ceremonies on April 5, 2010 with twenty-two students who graduated in 2009-2010 academic year. Those students are representatives of their organizations and different ethnic groups. Their academic course lasted 10 months. For this celebration, there were more than 60 participants who attended the closing ceremony. Dr Cynthia Maung, a director of Mae Tao Clinic gave a speech, “we are happy to come, and we see all of the students have graduated and come from representative of their organization; if they go back to their field that will be strength for their organization”.
Wide Horizons school was established in 2006, so far four groups of students have graduated, and the future life of the school will carry on. Students who apply for Wide Horizons School have an oral test and an interview as an entrance exam. This school does not accept those who represent third country. Each year it takes in 12 girls and 12 boys as students.   When students have finished studying at this school, they have to complete a one-year internship for their community and after that they will graduate with a Diploma.
Naw Esther Thein, a graduate from this school, said, “I am happy because I meet with my friends from different places and different ethnic groups. We learn from each other, share knowledge and ideas and cooperate with each other. Sometimes we misunderstand each other because of different cultures and behavior, but we can solve problems by talking to each other and can understand more. I am really proud of myself, because I can deal with different ethnic groups and know more NGOs and CBOs in Mae Sot. In my learning the most useful thing for me was cross culture training because if we don’t understand other cultures we will misunderstand always, for the future it will be difficult to participate with each other”.
Wide Horizons school is located on the Thai-Burma border in Mae Sot. The school is supported by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) with English, project management and computer teachers for each academic year.>>>Back to top

April 16, 2010

Kaw Mu Der School, Kler Lwee Htu District, Becomes a High School

In March 2010, the Village tract leader, school committee, parents and teachers decided to extend the school level up to standard 10.  This will be effective for the next academic year.
The District Education Coordinator, Saw Calvin, said, “This school has been running for over 26 years, and during this time there has been a fluctuation in the standards taught.  This fluctuation is due to difficulties in finding teachers and as a result of fighting in the area. At this moment, we believe that we can provide a higher level of education to the students.”
The aim is to encourage them to study in their local area and so not to have to travel to refugee camps to finish their studies. Many students from all over the district will be able to complete their High school education in their own district.
Kaw Mu Der School committee leader, Saw Yo Shu, said, “We will try very hard for  the school to provide Standard 10 to the students. Whatever problems arise, we will face them together to find a solution. Students will be able to remain in their village whilst studying, and thus enabling them to help their parents in the fields during the school holidays.”
Saw Calvin added, “We are very happy to have this opportunity to support Kaw Mu Der School in providing Standard 10 to students in the area. This is the only school in the district that provides Standard 10. We are very proud of it. We believe the students, parents and teachers will be satisfied with the support that we are offering.”
During the 2009-10 academic year, there were 14 teachers and 253 students in Kaw Mu Der School which currently ran up to Standard 9.>>>Back to top

April 12, 2010

13 Schools in Ler Doh Township Find Difficulities Collecting Their School Materials

On January 2010 SPDC (State Peace Development Council) troops attacked Ler Doh Township, burning villages and schools, causing more than 2,000 villagers, teachers and students to become IDP (Internally Displace people). This has caused difficulties for villagers to rebuild schools and villages in this area. Mr. Saw Wah Say, Educational Coordinator for Ler Doh Township said "I really upset this year, because we are now hiding in the jungle. Also, students and parents are becoming disconnected with each other. It is difficult to corporate with each other, as they have to struggle for their daily life, so it is impossible to rebuild our schools and a place to stay."
Once a year, during the summer, KSEAG (Karen State Education Assistant Group) provides support for all Kaw Thoo Lei schools, including school materials and equipments to, but the schools in Ler Doh Township have been burnt and have not been rebuilt yet. Therefore they have faced difficulties when collecting their schools' materials and equipments. “Now we are still living in the Jungle and we don’t know how to organize the school materials we received to reach us here.  Firstly, we need to find a safe place to stay and find food to live on. That's why right now we are not able to take our schools materials." He added.
Due to the SPDC attacks, some schools were not able to provide end of year examinations, but some students were able to take the exam in the jungle. A teacher from Mu Kee School, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “Some students never pass their exams, but due to the situation if we pass all the students they will be happy but we will not be because if they go to another school and enter the higher Standard, they will not have enough ability and knowledge to cope with the work given. This is a big problem for us.”

Newly displaced people living in Ler Doh Township are struggling to build new houses and organize food provisions before the rainy season. >>>Back to top

April 09, 2010

More Students becoming Landmine Victim During Summer Vacation Time

On March 30th, Saw Yo Poe, a 13 year old student from Du Pa Leh primary school in Hsaw Hti township, Kler Lwee Htoo district,was on his way to harvest rice paddy when he stepped on a landmine.  Saw Say Boh from KTWG reported, "it took two days to find medical care after he stepped on the landmine.  The student is now receiving treatment and will survive.”

Another more fatal incident, occurred in the second week of February in Ta Au Ni village, Bilin township, Doo Tha Htoo district.  Two children, Saw Aung Win and Saw Min Oo, both 15 years old,  were out hunting for frogs when they found the landmine.  Not knowing what the object was, they picked it up and began playing with it. They were killed instantly.

Landmines are littered across eastern Burma.  The Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP) has organized Mine Risk Education (MRE) since 2006.   However, due to the wide and abundant use of landmines by all military groups, the number of landmine cases continues to increase.  Saw Peter, a CIDKP’s Mine Risk Education coordinator, explains, “if there is a intensive fighting in an area, you will see more and more land mines. We educate villagers to mark the place that they see landmines – not to handle them themselves.  Villagers are told to inform the village leader or village responsible person. We also give first aid training for dealing with landmine victims to the villagers."

During the summer vacation period, from March to May, students are more mobile outside of the village which increases the risk of them becoming the next landmine victim.>>>Back to top

March 26, 2010

Primary level Preservice Teacher Training Opened in Doo Tha Htoo District

On March 16th 2010, the Karen Education Department opened aprimary level preservice teacher training workshop in Bilin Township, Do0 Tha Htoo district (exact location not named. During the opening ceremony, Saw Lah Say, Chairperson of the Karen Education Department(KED) said, "we are still struggling for our basic rights. We have not reached to our goal yet. For a nation to free and develop they require a strong education level."

Saw Per Nu, the district leader, also gave encourgement speech, "The student will gain correct knowledge if teacher has quality skills. The students will not gain correct knowledge if the teachers has poor teaching skills." This is a 3-month training which includeds 30 trainees.

Also, on March 23rd, KTWG organized one of it Summer Vacation Teacher Training workophs in the district (and all of the other districts as well). was also open yesterday 23.03.10 and there are 130 (approximate) participant in the training. 2 training sites were organized in Doo Tha Htoo district (one in Bilin township and one in Th'Htoo township) in which over 130 participants joined. The KTWG workshops focused on Lesson Presentation at the Bilin site and on Parent Education and Karen Language at the Th'Htoo site. KTWG workshops will run for 3 weeks. >>>Back to top

February 26, 2010

KNFEP closes this week after 13 years
Karen Northern Further Education Program (KNFEP), which was formed in 1997 at Mae Kah Khee (Mae Kong Kah) Karen refugee camp, closed their school on 24.02.2010 .
Saw Lah Htoo, Mae La Oon Education Head, who was also a former student of KNFEP, said " Our school which was 13 years old and produced 12 graduation classes, closes this year."
Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity (KRCEE) has re-organized all the post-ten schools in Karen Refugee camps along Thai-Burma Border so that they are able to monitor school curriculum and management. Teachers and administrators of KNFEP will continue to work for the new school under IHE's(Institute of Higher Education) supervision.
KNFEP school was run for 6 years at Mae Kah Khee and then moved to Pway Baw Lu (Mae La Oon) in 2004, when the refugee camp was relocated. >>>Back to top

February 24, 2010

Burma Army Discharge Mortars into School, Students Killed and Injured
A source from the District Office in Mutraw, Burma Army Tactical Operation Command(TOC) #2, Military Operation Command(MOC) #21 and Light Infantry Battalion(LIB) #387  encamped on T'ro Kyoe mountain fired mortars into T'yu Khee IDP(Internally Displaced People) village on the 19th February at 09:47 minutes, mortars hit the school. 1 student was killed and 2 students were injured. 
Saw Robin Htoo, 15 years old was killed instantly while Saw Hsar P'trer Htoo, 8 years old and Saw Eh Kaw Taw, 8 years old suffered an injured arm and leg.
P'doh Pah Gaw, a minister of forest ministry said, "Burma Army encamped their troops near IDP villages and they discharge mortars once or twice everyday."
T'yu Khee is a primary school which has 37 students and 4 teachers.>>>Back to top

February 24, 2010

KTTC First year students finish 3rd Semester
The Karen Teacher Training College's (KTTC) first year students finished their 3rd semester final exams on 19.02.2010.
In the KTTC 2009-10 school year, there are 48 students.  32 students, of which 22 are female and 10 are male, are first year students.  The remaining 16 students, of which 11 are female and 5 male, are currently completing their second year.
Thera Htoo K'Blar Baw, geography and computer lecture said that, “We arranged exams for first year students earlier than the second years because first year students have to join summer teacher training in March.”
KTTC school is locating in Mutraw District, Karen State and specializes in producing teachers for schools in Kawthoolei.

February 23, 2010

DARE Organized Ultimate Frisbee Tournament For Refugees Students
Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education (DARE) Network organized an Ultimate Frisbee tournament in Mae Ra Moe refugee camp on the 20th February. More than 100 students from Mae Ra Moe and Mae La Oon camps participated in this tournament.
Saw Law La Say, DARE coordinator said, "This is the second time now we’ve organized the tournament. We also had a tournament last January. The slogan for the tournament, 'Reducing Drug, Alcohol and Violence', was chosen by refugee students."
DARE youth from Mae Ra Moe Section 7-A won 1st prize, while DARE youth from Mae La Oon took 2nd prize in the tournament.
Frisbee tournaments will also be organized in different Karen Refugee camps, such as Dong Yan, Noe Poe, Umpiam Mai and Mae La in the second and third week of March.
DARE Network is a grassroots national NGO. DARE provides culturally appropriate, non-medical treatment and prevention education to reduce substance abuse and associated social problems within the communities of the displaced ethnic people from Burma, along the Thai/Burma border. >>>Back to top

February 19, 2010

133 IDP Students Flee Attacks but Still Sit Exams in the Jungle
133 students whofrom Htee Nya Lee Day middle and Htee Baw Hta nursery school who were forced to flee Burma Army attacks in early February joined together to finish their school year and sit their final exams under the trees in the jungle.
Saw Baw Boe, from the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), said, "This is exam season, even though teachers and students are hiding in the jungle, they still manage to sit their exams. Perhaps, they will finish today (02-18-2010)."
He went onto to explain, "LIB (Light Infantry Battalion)  362, 363, 366, 367 and 368, which are under MOC #10, have been attacking Kwee Lah and Keh Der village tracts since early February. 11 schools with more than 500 students have become displaced and most of the schools won't be able to sit their exams." >>>Back to top

February 18, 2010

417 Refugees Return to Burma
Karen refugees who have been living in Au Thu Hta temporary refugee camp have been returning to Burma since the beginning of February. There are 1,460 refugees living in Au Thu Hta camp of which 417 have returned to Burma.
A local leader, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, "It was the refugees own decision to return to Burma but they received pressure from the Thai authorities. The authorities did not allow them to leave the camp in search of vegetables, which is their second main food source after rice. Therefore how can you stay where you are unable to gather food for your families."
He added, "Over half the refugee who returned to Burma were students and children.">>>Back to top

February 18, 2010

FPC will use IHE curriculum
A source from the DHE (Department of Higher Education) said, FPC (Future Preparatory Course) which is based in Htam Hin Karen Refugee Camp, will begin using the IHE (Institute of Higher Education) curriculum at the start of the new academic year, 2010-2011. 
Saw Law Eh Moo, secretary of DHE said, "We are happy FPC will be using the IHE curriculum as it will help towards providing a standardize Post-10 education for all refugees in the camps. It will also assist KRCEE (Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity) in monitoring the schools throughout the refugee camps."
"Over half the post-ten schools in the camps are not following the IHE framework and curriculum. Due to this high percentage we will organize a meeting in April with post-ten school principals and discuss how we can cooperate better in the future with those who are not using the IHE curriculum." Added Saw Law Eh Moo.
The IHE curriculum contains General English, Reading and Writing, Social Studies, Science, Math, Karen (compulsory), Thai or Burmese, Orientation for Higher Education, Philosophy of Education, Physical Education and Computer skills. >>>Back to top

February 16, 2010

COPE traning for KTTC year 1 students
From February 8th to 11th, 1st year students from KTTC (Karen Teacher Training College) were given the opportunity to study 'Creating Opportunities for Psychosocial Enhancement'.  Naw Ku Htee Paw, from Dooplaya District said, "I have never heard of this topic before and I never knew the importance of "creating opportunities for psychosocial enhancement'. I know that pre-service teachers learn about teaching skills, but with additional topics such as this I believe we will be better prepared when we graduate.”
One topic taught within the COPE training is Human needs, which is divided into three sub-topics; materials, relationships and psychosocial. Naw Ku Htee Paw added, "I learned about what humans need and what we have to do to take care of our students, parents and even our teachers so that the entire community has a better understanding of what is necessary to promote education."
"This is the second time that I have taught at KTTC. Last year, I taught 'Creating Opportunities for Psychosocial Enhancement' fro the first time, and I was also developing my understanding of the students’ behaviour. This has helped me improve my teaching this year. If there is a chance, I would really like to come back to KTTC again.” Said, Th'ramu Naw Kelly. She added, "All the students were very eager to learn and listened carefully. It was wonderful as we had many discussions focusing on different educational issues during the evenings.” >>>Back to top

February 10, 2010

Forced Refugee Families Traveled Back
"3 Karen refugee families, who were forced back to Burma at the beginning of February, returned to Thailand on the 9th February." said, Naw Tamla Saw, vice-secretary of KWO (Karen Women Organisation).
She said, "Yesterday morning at 08:00am, 3 households containing 13 people, traveled back safely to the Thai side."
Today, KWO secretary office announced that the 3 returning households, with 9 children, received a warm welcome from the local communities.
A local leader, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, "As the Thai authority doesn't allow people to return, we have to find an alternative way to help the returning refugees. At the moment, we face a large problem to provide food for these refugees, and I am continuing to contact possible supporters."
He added, "3 of the children were studying when they were forced back across the border and at the present time are unable to continue their studies." >>>Back to top

February 10, 2010

Burma Army continues to Attack Ler Doh Villagers, 12 Schools Forced to Close
Burma Army, MOC (Military of Commander) #10 with 200 forces attacked Htee Nya P'tay Khee, Htee Mu Hta and K'dee Mu Der villages, in Ler Doh Township, for 4 days, beginning on the 3rd February, burning down 53 houses, including 12 schools.
Sonya, Partner Relief and Development Coordinator said, "Our staff, who are in the area, confirmed this morning that 80 households, estimating 15,000 people, are hiding in the jungle."
She added, "The Burma Army is still active in that area."
The Burma Army attacked Keh Der village track during the third week of January and have now extended their territory to Khei Kar Kho and Kwee Lah village tracks.
According to KORD's (Karen Office for Relief and Development) 2009 annual population report, there are 2000 people in Ler Doh Township.>>>Back to top

February 9, 2010

SVA Organised Children Culture Festival in Refugee Camps
SVA (Shanti Volunteer Association) organized a Children Culture Festival in Mae La, Umphium and Noh Poe refugee camps during the first week of February. Mae La was the first refugee camp to participate in the festival, with Umphium and Noh Poe following in subsequent days. During the day, where the slogan was 'Peace', games and drawing took place, with a culture show in the evening.
Ms. Jiraporn, SVA project Manger, said, "SVA conducted an Asian Children Festival in many countries over the past few years, including Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. When the festival was organized in Thailand children from refugee camps were not able to participate as the Thai authorities did not give them permission. Therefore, we organized the event in the refugee camps for these children."
She added, "In the future, we hope to organize a Refugee Children’s Culture Festival where they can be proud of their backgrounds and learn ways of preserving their traditions and cultures. It will also give them an opportunity to respect other ethnic groups within the refugee camps.”>>>Back to top

February 3, 2010

MTT Completed Computer Training

From January 25th to 30th, MTTs (Mobile Teacher Trainers) studied one week basic computer training.  As this was the first time for many of them, the training dealt with how to turn on/off the computer, developing typing skills and how to used Microsoft Office
Th'ramu Sarah Paw, a MTT from Duplaya District said, "We studied once in 2004 but because we don't really use computers all of our skills were gone. But from now on, we will have training every time when we come back to MTT's center office so that we can use these skills when we write our reports.”
Due to problems with the generator, MTT were only able to practice for 1 or 2 hours although the training was meant to be the hole day.
Th'ra Wai Htoo, MTT Paan District said, " That was a good opportunity for us that we had 1 week computer training before we go back to our area. I hope that we will have a chance to learn for the entire day so to improve our computer skills next time we come back.”>>>Back to top

February 1, 2010

ZOA said ADRA Will Takeover VT Projects

Saw Kelly, the Program Manager for ZOA Thailand, said ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) will begin taking over the VT (Vocational Training) in camps in June 2010. The process of handing over the projects started last year with the developing and signing of a Partnership Agreement Framework and followed with series of meetings between the two organizations. He said, "In June we will start working together, with ZOA acting as the advisors of the projects and ADRA taking the management and implementation roles. We will work together until 2012 and if ADRA are able to, they will take over all aspects of VT by the end of 2011."
Since starting VT programme in 2003 with camp communities, ZOA has organised training in sewing, hair cutting and hair dressing, stove making, cooking and baking, clothes weaving, basket weaving, auto mechanics, radio mechanics, black smith, tin smith, carpentry, agricultural and animals raising, computer training, music, and elderly and child care, to over 18,000 refugees.
Th'ra Saw Eh Htoo, Coordinator of Cooking, Bakery and Child -Elderly care said, "We started Vocational Training in October, 2007 and I have trained over 1,000 refugees in the skills of cooking, bakery and Elderly and Child Care. But most of the trainees have resettled to a third country. Therefore, I have to train new people (ToT) again and again."
He added, "In the past, we gave the people who completed the training only a certificate which was provided by ZOA and Camp VT Committee. But during the past 2 years, we have been able to provide the graduates with certificates from Thai VT Colleges, which means they have graduated at an international standard, giving then recognition for their studies."
Saw Lah Hay, Assistant Coordinator for ADRA, said, "We are still in the process of collecting information. We enter the camps together with ZOA staff and interview VT trainers, trainees and some refugees to discover what ADRA can do to improve the Vocational Trainings to make it more beneficial for them. When ADRA officially take over from ZOA, all funding and VT courses will be organised by our staff." >>>Back to top

January 29, 2010

KTTC students Complete Teaching Practicum

After completing their first observational practicum in September, 2009, Year 2 students at KTTC are in the process of undertaking their second practical practicum, from 18th January until 12th February in Mae Nu Hta, Ma Han Lu, Hko Ka, Paw Ka Der, Wam Klo and Ee Htu Hta schools. Those students who are confident in their subject knowledge are able to choose the subject taught.  Saw Nay Hla, a Year 2 student, said, “I have chosen to teach mathematics as I enjoy the subject. When I set the homework, all the students are able to complete it, which make me feel satisfied I have taught well. Before we arrived at our schools, we had to practice our chosen subject with our friends, to ensure we had the relevant knowledge and understanding of the subject ready to teach.”
The aims of the second practicum are to compare the theory learnt in the college with the real situation; to develop the relationship of the students with the community and school students; to increase the students’ confidence before becoming a qualified teacher and to raise the students’ awareness of the real situation in the villages.
KTTC Advisor, Thara Htaw Lwei Moo, said, “This is part of the 2 year teacher training course and they will be graded on their performance. This grade will be included in their final year grade, so they have to work hard.”
During the practicum, KTTC staff visit the students to observe them teaching their specialised subjects. Mathematics teacher Tharamu Paw Lu Lu, said, “When I observe the students, I realised they can teach and where lesson plans need to be improved we work together to do so. I noticed some students have problems with classroom management, building a relationship with the students, writing a relevant lesson plan and choosing appropriate teaching methods. We are able to offer them support and help to develop these skills.”
Naw Eh K’Myee, who chose to teach English, said, “When my teacher came to observe me I felt nervous and embarrassed. I believe the observations are beneficial to us as we can learn from them as when we go back to our areas, there will be little support for developing our skills.”
KTTC Headmaster, Thara Tha taw said, "Every year, Year 2 students participate in the practicum, to build their knowledge and experience before they teach in their districts. “Now and in the future, all Year 2 students will participate in their practicum to prepare them for their future.” >>>Back to top

January 27, 2010

KTWG Quarterly Meeting

On the 21st January, 2010, KTWG (Karen Teacher Working Group) held their quarterly meeting where all project coordinators reported their last 3 months' activities and they planned their activities for the coming 3 months. As each project was reviewed, only a few activities were identified as not successful. All project coordinators agreed to improve the quality of their activities for the coming 3 months. To be able to work more effectively, MTT (Mobile Teacher Trainers) will recruit more field staff and an Assistant Project Coordinator. KTTC (Karen Teacher Training College) will find a full time teacher for Math's, Science, Burmese and Geography, to ensure the high quality of teaching continues. KSEAG (Karen State Education Assistance Group) will develop how the Education Leaders, at District, Township and Village Tract level, work together during distribution. All Center Committee members have agreed there needs to be a minimum of 3 news articles uploaded to KTWG's website a week, to encourage readers and new donors.>>>Back to top

January 25, 2010

Golbal Border Studies in Noh Poe Refugee Camp

A source from IHE (Institute of Higher Education) said in June 2010 there will be a new post ten school in Noh Poe refugee camp.
Saw Law Eh Moo, a secretary of IHE, said, "In February, the students from every refugee camp, will sit the GBS entrance exam and only 15-20 student will be accepted. There will be no race discrimination but the students must have graduated from 10th standard or a post ten course." The students who graduate from the school are required to serve in their community for at least 1 year. There will be foreign teachers in the school and 6 subjects are taught in the first year; Human Rights/ Human Wrongs, Human Development & Culture, People & Power, History of Equality, Global Geography and a First year Research Project. During the second year the students will learn about Peace & Justice: Restorative Approaches, International History of the 20th Century Borders, Citizenship, Multi Ethnic Societies: Western approaches to the Problem, Social Identity and a Final Year Research Project.
Saw Law Eh Moo said," It is good that the students have the opportunity to learn higher education and develop their understanding about international education. It is also an opportunity to connect all post ten schools in the refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border, as in the past there was none. For example, the students will get the same certificate as students who are studying management in other camps."
World Education will fund the school and the curriculum, from Dundalk University in Ireland, will be adapted to fit the needs of the students.>>>Back to top

January 24, 2010

Taungoo District Selected an Additional Education Leader

Taungoo, a district in southern Kaw Thoo Lei, has been greatly affected by SPDC (State Peace Development Council) attacks since 2006, and as a result most of the Districts departments have collapsed, including the Education Department. As SPDC continues to attack most departments have still not been rebuilt.
“To find a new Education Leader is very difficult as they need experience, ability and commitment.” Thra Eh Wah said, the Coordinator of Internally Displaced People in Taungoo District. He added, “Our current Education Leader is becoming old and is not able to work full-time; therefore all leaders from Taungoo District have agreed to rebuild our Management system and we have selected an additional Education Leader, who will work alongside our existing Education Leader."
Saw Way Htoo, who graduated Standard 10 in Taungoo District, then completed a Post-10 course in Mae La Oon Refugee camp and taught in the camp for over a year, was selected as the additional Taungoo Education Leader on 15th December.
School profile forms, collected by KSEAG (Karen State Education Assistance Group), show there are currently 20 schools with 33 teachers and 640 students.
Thra Eh Wah said, “These schools are all in Htaw T’Htu Township, but we also have schools in Daw Pa Kho Township but no-one collected their school profile forms to register with KSEAG. Now we have an additional Education leader hopefully he will be able to collect the forms and submit them for the 2010-2011 academic year.”>>>Back to top

January 22, 2010

SPDC burn village, Includes School and dormitory 

On the night of Sunday January 17, 2010, the Burma Army's Military of Command #10 (MOC) attacked Hkeh Der village which is in Hkeh Der village tract in Kler Lwee Htoo district. Fortunately, Karen authorities were able to warn parents, teachers and students who were able to flee into jungle night before the attack. The Burma Army burnt all the houses including the school dormitory.
Saw Steve, secretary of the Committee for Internally Displaces Karen People (CIDKP) said, "SPDC (Burma Army) troops are still currently active in nearby villages. Villagers, teachers and students throughout Hkeh Der village tract are still hiding in the jungle."

This latest Burma Army attack has left more than 1000 people from Rgeh Der village tract internally displaced in the region. >>>Back to top

January 21, 2010

KTTC Students Participate in their First Fieldtrip

Every year First year students at KTTC (Karen Teacher Training College) participate in a fieldtrip. This year 30 Year 1 students and 5 teachers began their fieldtrip, which would last for 3 weeks. They traveled to Yaw Mu Plaw and Tay Mu Der Village tract, in Lu Thaw Township, and Pa Het Village tract in Bu Tho Township, visiting Htee Haw Lay Kho Middle School in Ya Mu Pler Village tract, Th’Dah Der Middle School in Tay Mu Der Village tract and Toe Thay Der Middle School in Pa Het Village tract. When the students arrived at the schools, they were able to exchange their experiences with the students. When planning the trip, Village tract leaders were contacted to ensure parents, teachers, students and leaders were aware of the KTTC students' arrival and met them.
KTTC Head teacher, Thra Tha Taw said, “This year I am so happy with the fieldtrip, even though I have walked so far to get there, I am not tired as I am able to see the students and local community, students, teachers, parents and local leaders, enthusiasm for the program. Everyone was cooperating and interested in what was being learnt. Therefore I am very happy with this trip and know we have helped to make a positive impact on the Education for the Future.”
The purpose of the fieldtrip is to build stronger relationships with local schools and communities, compare the theory learnt with the practical, learn different processes throughout the fieldtrip and exchange experiences with local communities.
Saw Tun Oo, a first year student, said, “I have learnt so many things from the students, teachers, parents and local authorities. They have given me encouragement, shared experiences with me and told me of the real situation they face. This has really benefited my life as I have seen the real situation in schools and communities.”

During the fieldtrip, teachers and students bring small gifts for the schools, students, teachers and communities they visit. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange skills and expertise.>>>Back to top

January 7, 2010

Mutraw District Education Department Will Distribute Student Health Provisions for the 2010-11 School Year

Mutraw district education leaders have agreed to provide health provisions to the 14,885 students in their district for the 2010-2011 academic year.  Of the 3 townships in Mutraw District, Lu Thaw and Dweh Lo townships will start to provide school health directly to their schools, but, in Bu Tho township, where schools are near existing clinics, medics from those clinics will continue to take responsibility for the students.
 
In November 2007, the Karen State Education Assistance Group supported by the Karen Department Welfare and Health department began providing basic health provisions, such vitamins A and B and deworming medicine, to students throughout Karen State.  While this process started off smoothly in other areas, education leaders in Mutraw district were hesitant to distribute health materials directly to students for risk of overstepping their mandate.  P'doh Dee Gay Jr., the Mutraw district education leader, explained:
 
"At first we thought that health can be provided only by health workers but during the District quarterly meeting, the District Department Health coordinator explained a variety of health issues to us. We realized that the majority of children who need health care are students, therefore we now recognize the role teachers can play in providing this care."

Saw Gyi Gyi, the Karen Health and Welfare Department secretary, said:

"The student health program provides de-worming and vitamin A tablets to all children. The medicine is distributed at the beginning of the academic year, where teachers are in a position to oversee the distribution to ensure all children receive the correct dosage. We (KHWD) only have a few members who are able to visit and distribute these medicines to every school. Therefore our plan is to provide primary health care, not treatment, through KSEAG and facilitate 2 day workshops to the teachers to enable them to manage and hand out the medicine appropriately."

During Karen State Education Assistance Group workshops in October and November 2009, health workers provided basic health training to district, township and village tract education leaders. The health workers will also provide training directly to Karen State teachers during the summer vacation teacher training workshops in March and April 2010.>>>Back to top

December 3 , 2009

KSEAG Completes Distribution of Annual Subsidies to 2955 Karen State teachers

KSEAG (Karen State Education Assistant Group) began distributing teacher subsidies in mid October until the end of November. At this time 2,955 teachers, from 7 districts, received support from KSEAG. All teachers supported by KSEAG received 2,500 Baht for the 2009-2010 academic year.
The process of distribution is divided into two steps. The first step was providing a workshop to clarifying teacher statistics with district, township and village tract education leaders. During the three day workshop additional training was provided, and the teachers' subsidies were given to the education leaders. During the second step, education leaders distributed teachers' subsidies to every teacher in Karen State.
Saw Kaw Kee Lar, Dwe Loh township education leader said," This year we are very satisfied because all education leaders participated in this workshop. In the past, only districts and townships leaders met with KSEAG staff so we had a small problem with community education members as they did not fully understand the distribution processes. This year village tracks education leaders participated in this discussion, so they now have a clear understanding about work activities.  We believe that in the future the cooperation will getting better and improve."
MTT (Mobile Teacher Trainer) and ATT(Area Teacher Trainer) are also involved in the second step of distribution and monitoring. To distribute teachers' subsidies to each teacher in Karen State, Area Education Leaders work with MTT's and ATT's, who monitor and evaluate the distribution process.
There are 3,981 teachers in Karen State, of which 2,955 receive support from KSEAG. The remaining 1,026 teachers receive support from other organizations and individuals.
Saw Ko Lo Htoo, KSEAG Assistant Director, said, "The second step of distribution includes checking the teachers statistics to make sure all teachers are supported, either by KSEAG or other organizations and individuals. If teachers receive assistance from other organizations which is more than KSEAG support we will provide no additional support, but if they receive less than KSEAG support we will provide them with additional assistance."
KSEAG distribution members will return in December, with up-to-date information. This information will be used to prepare schools materials for distribution in February. Any extra teachers who require additional support and assistance will receive this during the school material distribution.>>>Back to top

October 30, 2009

School Numbers Soar in Karen State Despite Political Deterioration
KTWG and the Karen State Education Assitance Group (KSEAG) have noticed a significant jump in the number of teachers, students and schools from the 2008-9 school year to the current one. KTWG has seen an average 5% increase each year since they began providing teacher training and education assistance throughout Karen State in 2001. However, KTWG's Education Assistance leader says that "the dramatic increase in school statistics this year was a surprise to all of us, especially given the increased presence and military activities of the DKBA and Burma Army which led to tha fall of Pa.an district and increased displacement throughout most of Karen Sate."

When asked to explain the increase, he said, "It is complicated, but I believe there are two central reasons. The first is that we have seen the return of schools that had closed over the past couple of years due to SPDC land encroachment, most notably in Taungoo district where 47 scools had been closed in 2007. The second reason is that schools in mixed controlled areas, especially in Dooplaya district, have seen the benefit of training and education assistance that comes from contacting Karen authorities. As such, these schools have registered themselves with the Karen Education Department. It is this second reason which has led to the greatest increase in school statistics for the 2009-10 school year". >>>Back to top

October 23, 2009

Schools Closed Due to the SPDC Attacks in Mone Township
Since early October, the Burmese Infantry Battalion 39 and Light Infantry Battalion 599 started to attack five village tracts, Kwee Koh Kor, Kyaut Pyar, Thet Baw der, Yor Kee and Htee Ler Baw Hta, in Mone Township, Kler Lwee Htu District.  Saw Steve,Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP) secretary said, "All of the schools in these areas have closed. However, some schools, which were prepared, were able to keep teaching whilst they are hiding in jungle."  According to CIDKP reports, more than 3000 villagers had to flee from their villages to stay in jungle, where they face many difficulties, including illnesses such as colds, diarrhea and malaria.  The KNU reports that 207 farms from the 5 village tracts were destroyed during these attacks. >>>Back to top

October 17, 2009

KTWG Trainers See Increase in Parent Involvement in Education
Mobile Teacher Trainers began their second cycle in the field in June until September. They have returned to Hkoe Hkay area to receive additional skills and prepare for their third cycle, beginning in October. During their time visiting schools, they had observed many more parents willing to be involved in their children's education and cooperation between the teachers and parents has improved since participating in Parental involvement in education training held in March.

A MTT from Doo Tha Htoo, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, "I predicted and planned for 200 parents to attend my Parental involvement in education training, but when I gave the training, at 3 different sites, more than 400 parents attended." More and more parents are becoming interested in participating in the training, which was first organised in 2007, raising the awareness of the parent's responsibilities for their child's education.

During the first MTT cycle, they prepared training materials and delivered trainings, focused on lesson presentation, parental involvement in education, evaluation and COPE (Creating Opportunities for Physiological Enhancement)

Thara Gay Htoo, a mobile teacher trainer from Kler Lwee Htoo District, who provided evaluation training this cycle, said, "I planned for 38 teachers to attend my training and was very happy to see 75 teachers there."

He added, "Before we planned the training topics we asked the teachers if it was possible to give training, because there are many security problems when traveling to the site. They said they wanted the training and as it began, more and more teachers arrived."

Mobile Teacher Trainers year is divided into 3 cycles, February to April, June to September, October to January.>>>Back to top

October 16, 2009

U Loh and Ger Maw Loh Schools Reopen
U Loh and Ger Maw Loh School are located in Moo Township, Kler Lwee Htoo District and have been closed since SPDC began attacks in Kler Lwee Htoo District in 2006. This year, after 3 years, the school has reopened. The 2 villages are located along the border of Kler Lwee Htoo and Taungoo Districts, and are home to a Sub-Karen group called Moh Nay Pwa, who are traditional Animists.
Thara Nay Kaw, a Mobile Teacher Trainers in Kler Lwee Htoo District, recalls, "When SPDC attacked Toungoo and Kler Lwee Htoo District in 2006, these 2 vilalges had to move and live in other villages along the border, called Ma La Daw, Moh Ken Tha Per Koh, Kanazoe Bin and Tha Byay Nyuit. As they are traditional Animists, they wanted to return to their original villages to celebrate traditional Animist festivals, but were unable to do so. They therefore demonstrated, through Animism, their want to return to their original villages."
As Thara Nay Kaw told Phru Pwgo in 2009, they were able to return to their original villages, as they were unable to live away from them any longer. When they returned, they reopened U Loh and Ger Maw Loh School, where their children are able to learn, once more. >>>Back to top

October 15, 2009

DKBA Activities in Mutraw (Papun) Keep Schools Closed
Kler Si Kho School is located in Mae Moie tract, Bu Tho Township, Mutraw District. DKBA troops have positioned landmines in the village, every night, for a long time, forcing the school to close. They believe the villagers have regular communications with KNU forces and want to stop information reaching their enemies. A Mobile Teacher Trainer, Thara Klo Wah, told Phgu Pwgo of DKBA's activities in the eastern region of Bu Tho Township, in Bwa Der, Kaw Pu and Pa Hai village tracts. They are concentrating on the eastern region because there are many teak trees, which they will be able to trade and build new business agreements with. This has enforced many villagers to leave their village, escaping to neighbouring village tracts. There are difficulties finding teachers for Kler Si Kho School because many people have left and others are afraid of DKBA and SPDC troops. Thara Klo Wah said, "Now DKBA troops are not laying landmines, but parents face difficulty to find teacher in mid school year resulting in the closure of the school. During 2008-2009 academic year, due to KSEAG database, there were 16 students, a single teachers, teaching to Standard 2.>>>Back to top

September 22, 2009

Mysterious Illness Closes Mutraw Middle School

There is a health alert which has closed the middle school in
Th'Dah Der village, Mutraw District, because half of the students came down with an unknown disease reports the Thra Winston, the health in charge from the area. The school was closed on September 7th. Over the last 2 weeks, 300 from Th'Dah Der, Ta Oh Der, Tay Mu Der and Ta Kaw To Baw villages got running noses, throat pain and fever up to 104 F. Thara Winston said that them tested for malaria but the results were negative. He also tested for the flu but also negative. There are over 200 students at Th'Dah Der middle school, over half of them have come down with this mysterious illness. Back Pack health teams have been sent to assistance. (Report from Naw Bloomingnight, KWO)>>>Back to top

September 16, 2009

Student of Migrant Workers Goes To International Competition

In early September, the news spread that "Mong Thongdee" who was born in Thailand to Burmese labourers has been chosen to attend the Origami Airplane contest in Japan.
When his news was abroad to the world, the Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul refused him an official certificate to travel overseas as Bangkok reported. He begged Provincial Administration Department chief Vongsak Swasdipanich and said, "Please help me to go to Japan." with tears from his cheeks he added," I know that I do not have Thai nationality, so it will cost me the chance to attend the competition."

Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul confirmed it was impossible for the government to grant Thai nationality to the boy. He said," If Mong wanted to compete in Japan, he had to represent Burma as a Burmese national." For the simple reason that, everybody knew about Mong's story that was published on 4.9.09, prime minister Abhisit Vajjajiva met with Mong and stepped in to help Mong to get a temporary passport. Mong said," the Prime Minister encouraged me to try my best in competition and he said that if I got the first prize I have to come back and meet with him so in order to get the first prize I'm practising my hands stronger to be able to play an airplane that takes a couple minutes in the air.

Mong Thongdee's parent never thought that their poor son would get a great chance to meet with Prime Minister like this. Mong's father said,"every day and night we have to live in worry and we have no specific place to live in moreover; we have no house and we just live in our work place."

Last year Mong got the first prize when he competed in the National Origami Plane Championship in Bangkok city and the paper airplane that Mong made flew for 12.5 seconds and gave him this great opportunity to attend the competition in Japan. As other children have their own hopes for when they grow up, Mong also has a very great goal. "I have folding paper airplanes and competing with friend the first grade. I'm in interested in engineering. I like inventions. I want to become an aeronautical engineer someday," he said.

According to Irrawaddy website, Mong Thongdee parents first moved to Fang, where they worked at an orchard that grew lychees and oranges. His parents, Sai Nyut and Nang Mo, left Kho Lan village in southern Shan State in 1995 because of poverty and lack of any possibility to improve their plight.>>>Back to top

May 30 , 2009

KTTC Reunion & Graduation and KTWG Organizational meeting

On May 17-19, 125 people came from across Karen State to participate in the KTTC reunion. KTTC is a pre-service teacher education program for Karen State youth who agree to returj to Karen State communities as teachers immediately upon graduation. KTTC reopeoned in 2005 and the first graduates compoleted their studies in 2007. 30 KTTC alumni returned to join in the festivities. On May 20 , 14 KTTC alumni and 25 KTTC students were presented with diplomas by the Karen Eeducation Department Chairperson, Saw Lahsay. TheKTTC alumni received diplomas as they have now completed 2 years of teaching in community schools which was part of the agreement of attending KTTC. The KTTC students recieved their diploma for their completion 2 years of studies.

The following week on May 27-29, taking the oppportunity of having all of its members present, KTWG held an organizational meeting to evaluate all of its activities. While noting a number of strengths, all members agreed that there were still opportunities to improve. Currently, at the time of writing this article, there is real fear that the Burma Army plans an attack on the area in which KTTC is based. Students and teachers are preparing themselves. >>>Back to top

September 12, 2008

Maw Poe Der (Mae Kyaw) school has closed.

Maw Poe Der village is located in Daw Pa Koh township, Taw Oo (Taungoo) district (Latitude 96.90 and 18.96 Longitude). Thara Eh Wah, District IDP Leader, explained the school had to close due to the students' parents being unable to provide food for their families. In this area, the people planted Beetle Nut and Cardamom trees to sell in exchange for rice, but the SPDC are not allowing them to travel along the car road, which is their main route. This has caused a direct impact on their ability to sell and buy food for their families.

The villagers have been facing food problem since 2006. They are unable to support their children and have sent them to live with relatives in other villages. For this reason there are few students in the village, consequently the school has closed.>>>Back to top

September 10, 2008

Over 40 teachers arrive in P'Rai Lo Bridge sent back by SPDC

Schools started in July and teachers from the Delta region tried to return to their schools, in IDP areas. As they passed through the gateway to P'Rai Lo Bridge (sitdaw Tada), SPDC soldiers sent them back, after questioning them, believing they were on their way to cross the border and seek asylum in the refugee camps.

Every year the teachers travel to their schools in the IDP area, and return to their families in the summer holidays. But since the Nagis Cyclone hit the Delta region, the SPDC have started to inspect anyone who passes through the gateway bridge.

A member of the Education Department in Bu Tho Township, Saw Kyaw Swa said to P'hru P'wgo "In Bu Tho Township, the school committees were faced with a problem, due to the teachers not arriving and they have had to find new teachers quickly."

"To fill the quota of teachers needed for the schools, the school committee had to find and choose new teachers who are suitable to their situation. But some teachers are still students or new teachers who have never received training.

"During the 2009 – 2010 academic year, the teachers who are students will continue to study, after teaching for a year. When the students return to their studying, the school committee will have to find another teacher for their school. For the new teachers who will continue to teach, we will invite them to attend the Summer Vacation Training." Added Saw Jaw Swa.>>>Back to top

September 9 , 2008

The first Parent Education training in Kaw Htoo Lei

Every year KTWG and the MTT (Mobile Teacher Trainers) travel and visit every school in Kaw Htoo Lei three times a year.

In the first week of June, 20 MTT members, from seven districts, began their second visit to their schools and started collecting the schools information/data. At the same time they gave training to teachers and parents about Parent Education. Over 2000 teachers and parents attended this training.

MTT coordinator, Saw Mu Htee, said "The MTTs were unable to visit all villages in their district due to SPDC activities. The teachers and parents from those villages requested that the MTT return to give the training to their village in the future."

He added that "The parents now understand about the importance of sending the children to school and recognise it is not only the teachers' responsibility to educate them. Parents also have responsibility to take care of their children when their children are in school or even at home."

During March and April, KTWG and MTT members visit the schools for the first time and provide Summer Vacation Training. Their second visit occurs from June to September, with a final visit during October to December.>>>Back to top

June 26 , 2008

Burmese military entered and burnt down Tay Mu Der Village
Tay Mu Der School remains unopened

On 3rd June 2008 Burmese battalion (No 16) fired mortars toward Tay Mu Der, Tha Dah Der and Ta Kaw Hto Baw villages. They then proceeded to burn down the houses, rice stores and churches. The Burmese military that entered the village of Tay Mu Der, burnt down Saw Kaw Soe, Saw Gweh Lay Moo and Saw Gay Hoos' tents and all their farming tools.
They also burnt down 3 rice stores, which contained 300 tins of rice, killed goats, chicken and 3 buffaloes, for their food.

"When they attacked, it had been raining constantly for over a week. This made it very difficult for the young children and old people to escape from the SPDC" said Saw Mu Htee, a representative of Karen Teacher Working Group, who remained in the village whilst the attack was taking place.
Saw Mu Htee added, "The SPDC took all of the school material, which was kept in the school office, so the school still remains closed.">>>Back to top

June 21 , 2008

Computer Studies is Part of the Program for Aspiring Teachers Studying in the Mountains of Karen State

The Karen Teacher Training College is located in the war affected areas of Karen State. Its teachers and students come from internally displaced communities throughout the Karen homeland. KTTC graduates return to their community schools immediately following graduation. On May 20th, hours after their graduation ceremony, 2008 KTTC graduates immediately began their long journeys back to their homes (sometimes up to 3 week perilous walk) to begin preparing for the upcoming schoo year.

The 2008-9 1st and 2nd year students are already immersed in this year's studies. 1st year students are doing an intensive subject updgrade. 2nd year students are currently studying pedagogy. They will then focus on primary level teaching methodology before specializing in either Arts or Science teaching methodology for the high school level.

In the evenings, when the generator is running between 6pm and 9pm, KTTC students work on the 10 laptops that make up the 'KTTC Computer Room'. They learn type in Karen, Burmese and English while developing competency in using computers. These computers also will be used as resources in their studies - electronic encyclopedias and language courses are just two examples.

The political situation continues to worsen throughout Karen State, and funding for KTWG programs continues to be cut due to the weakening $USD amongst and a lack of support for cross-border work inside the ethnic States of Burma. Basic food stuffs and learning materials are regularly being reduced at KTTC in face of these cuts. Yet, KTTC students and teachers continue to be in good spirits and to focus on the improvement of schools throughout Kawthoolei (Karen State).>>>Back to top

May 4 , 2008

Cyclone Blocks Off Support Routes to Schools in Dooplaya District

Cyclone Nargis has destroyed homes, roads and bridges throughout Dooplaya district in Karen State. The cyclone hit as district education leaders planned for school materials to be send to the remaining 161 schools in their district (school materials were delivered to the other 163 schools in March). Because of the destruction to roads and bridges, and because the rainy season is almost upon us, it has been decided that these school materials will have to be delivered after the rainy season is over - in October.>>>Back to top

April 29, 2008

Teacher Training Workshops Completed in the Forests Throughout Karen State

Throughout March and early April, KTWG organized eight concurrent teacher training workshops. KTWG has been running what are known as 'Summer Vacation Training' workshops (they are held during the summer break of the Karen school year) since 1997.

Often these workshops are organized in the forest so not to be detected by the Burma Army. In Doo Tha Htoo district, 92 teachers (and some parents) constructed a small bamboo stage and leaf roof shelter which doubled as temporary classroom and dormintory. Saw Mu Htee, KTWG's in-service teacher training coordinator, reported that local teachers were extremely active in the workshop. He said it was the best workshop yet to be held in the district.

Over 300 teachers participated in workshops throughout Karen State. Workshops focused upon general teaching skills as well as specific subject methodology. The content of the training was defined by participants - based on what they perceive their needs are for their classrooms. Each teacher was asked to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire which exmaines various issues facing Karen State schools. These questionnaires will be compiled and analyzed in an upcoming report.>>>Back to top

April 26, 2008

Karen Education Department Sets Guidelines for Education Assistance to Karen State Schools

The KED Annual Meeting was held in Mae Ra Ma Luang refugee camp last week. Education leaders from all refugee camps and all Karen State districts/townships were present. On April 24th, the issue of support to Karen State schools was discussed at length.

Karen State schools suffer the same fate as their communities - poverty and displacement are rampant. Over the past years, a number of local and foreign organizations have provided support to Karen State schools. In 2005, the Karen State Education Assistance Group was established. KSEAG provides basic education support to all schools unless the school receives support from another individual or group. While KSEAG support is provided through the KED structure, often other supporters provide assistance directly to Karen State schools through personal connections. This means that often education leaders are not informed about assistance provided by groups outside of KSEAG making it difficult to manage these schools. Furthermore, non-KSEAG support is often significantly higher than what KSEAG is able to support. This disparity can create conflic and jealousy between communities.

KED decided that individuals/groups who want to support Karen State education assistance should provide their support through the Karen State Education Assistance Group. Where this is not acceptable to the donor, the donor can provide their support directly through the district education leader. Each district has the right to develop their criteria for education assistance for their district. At the meeting, districts agreed that teacher subsidies should be capped at 5000 Baht per year (approximately $170 USD).>>>Back to top

February 6, 2008

Fire Destroys Education Buildings in Htam Hin Refugee Camp

On February 3rd, according to the Kwekalu website, the office of the sports education organization 'Right to Play' in Htam Hin refugee camp was destroyed by fire. The cause is unknown. Also, a vocational training centre and the IOM's (International Organizaton for Migration) centre in camp were also destroyed. Material losses included motorcycles, and a generator but luckily nobody was injured. To read the article in Karen and/or view photos and video of the fire, click here. >>>Back to top

September 14 , 2007

Lack of Support for IDP Schools in Eastern Burma

Communities and schools throughout Karen State suffer from ongoing Burma Army attacks and the associated poverty and displacement. Over the past years, KTWG and its partners have attempted to alleviate this suffering by providing basic material support to these schools. In 2006-7, we were able to provide 1300 Baht($40 USD)/year to all Karen State teachers and 3 notebooks, 2 pencils and a pen to all students. Even this success was not able to meet the needs of Karen State schools.

The situation of schooling in other ethnic States is just as dire. KTWG recently met with education leaders from Mon and Shan areas as well as agencies supporting other areas to discuss the realities and the strategies undertaken in those areas. In all areas, the situation was similar, displacement, poverty and lack of material support was hampering the development of local schools. To see a map of the gerenal breakdown (and perhaps not absolutelycomprehensive) of what education assistance is available across Eastern Burma, click here.>>>Back to top

July23, 2007

Only 2 Schools Remain Open in Taungoo District

On the morning of Friday July 18th, one of KTWG's mobile teacher trainers returned from Taungoo district. He left over a month ago to visit and assess schools in his home district. Over the past year, his district has been devastated by Burma Army attacks which has left the majority of villagers internally displaced for forced to seek refugee in temporary shelters organized by Karen leaders along the Salween river. A little over one year ago, there were 61 Karen schools operating in Taungoo district - now there are only 2. >>>Back to top

July 11, 2007

Diplomas and School Accreditation for Resettled Karen

Many Karen who have resettled to 3rd countries face problems getting credit for the education they received in Burma or in the refugee camps. ZOA and KED have discussed this issue at length and have come to a decision. They have created an education report book that every student will receive that documents their schooling. For those adults who have already completed their schooling, they can request KED to provide them with a document of proof of completion of schooling. Also, for those people who completed their schooling inside of Burma but received no accreditation, they can sit an equivalency exam in camp. For further information, please contact us .>>>Back to top

July 5, 2007 - Mae Sod

FTUK Advocates for Karen State Schools in Geneva/UK

Saw Ywa Hai and other representatives of the Federal Trade Union of Kawthoolei returned yesterday after having spent over a month in Geneva and the UK advocating for the rights of Karen people. From June 1st to the 14th in Geneva, testimony was given to the ILO concerning ongoing forced labour throughout Karen State and furthermore FTUK encouraged the ILO to push for the Burma
army to be called to the International Criminal Court. Saw Ywa Hai also met with delegates from Normay, Sweden, Denmark and China as well as trade union representatives from numerous countries.

On June 15th, the FTUK delgation left Geneva for the UK where they met the Burmese community living there. After attedning the UNISON conference, they went to London to celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday with the Burma Campaign UK group. Numerous meetings followed including DFID represesentatives, TV stations and Amnesty International. The issue of humanitarian aid and funding support for Karen State was raised with DFID who according to Saw Ywa Hay responded very favorably. In fact, Saw Ywa Hai suggested they were interested in education in Karen State and the potential of supporting schools there. >>>Back to top

June 26, 2007 - Ee Htu Hta IDP Camp
A New School to be Opened to Respond to Growing Popuation

Ee Htu Hta camp, which is on the banks of the Salween river adjacent from Thailand, was organized in March 2006 as a shelter for thousands of Karen who were fleeing from Burma Army attacks. The camp population has been growing ever since. Basic living needs are being provided by Karen community based organizations and some other agencies.

Last week, it was decided that the camp territory must be expanded to deal with the increasing popluation. The recent arrival of 184 IDPs from Kler Lwee Htoo and Taungoo districts meant that a new section would be set up. All camp members have been asked to help build houses for the new arrivals. A primary school will also be built for children in this new section. One problem is that sufficient amount of teachers have not yet been identified. There are a number of people who have recently fled attacks and are currently on their way to Ee Htu Hta, some of whom might be teachers.>>>Back to top

June 21, 2007
Refugee Students Perform for World Refugee Day

Yesterday, June 20th, 10 refugee students from Mae Ra Ma Luang and Ma La Oon refugee camps made the 4 hour drive into the town of Mae Sariang to join the World Refugee Day activities sponsored by the UNHCR at the local high school. In the morning, refugee agencies put up displays and held workshops with Thai students. In the afternoon, the refugee students performed songs and a film depicting schooling inside Karen State was shown to over 100 Thai students. The purpose of the day was to foster understanding amongst the Thai community concerning the plight of refugees. When asked what they could do to help refugees, one Thai student said, "We must pray for them", while another suggested, "We can write letters to them".

Later in the afternoon, the refugee students visited the KTWG office for ice cream before visiting a few sites in Mae Sariang. Their busy and exciting day was capped with a dinner at a restaurant with KTWG staff and a few foreign friends. The students were obviously delighted with their day - for many of them it had been their first visit to a town. However, by 9 pm they were visibly exhausted and returned to the Karen Refugee Committee for undoubtedly very deep sleeps.>>>Back to top

June 18, 2007
34 New Prospective Teachers Join KTTC

A new group of young and energetic students from across Karen State arrived at KTWG's Karen Teacher Training College (KTTC) during the last week of May. The record sized group of 34 quickly got settled into KTTC life and began their studies. During their two-year program, they will study pedagogy, subject methodology, teaching skils, community schooling and many other subjects.

One student from Mergui-Tavoy who made the very long and dangerous trip said, "It doesn't matter to me about how dangerous and difficult it is, I have wanted to study at KTTC for 2 years now because KTTC is the one school that is focusing on Karen State children and education." Other students had similar stories, having risked Burma Army attacks while making the 3-15 day walk to KTTC. >>>Back to top

June 16, 2007
Indigenous KnowledgeTransmission Conference

The Indigenous Knowledge and Peoples (IKAP) network will be hosting a conference about Indigenous knowledge transmission in Guizhou, China from November 16-21. Indigenous knowledge (IK)practitioners from Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and China will examine threats on IK transmission in their areas and look at prospects for the promotion of IK. KTWG is an active member in IKAP and helped form the Burma regional group within IKAP.>>>Back to top

June 8 , 2007
Education Reps from Across Karen State Plan for 2007-8

Yesterday, KTWG met with all Karen State education leaders to discuss plans for teacher training and educational assistance for Karen State schools. All Karen State education leaders gathered this week for the annual Karen Education Deaprtment's meeting. At the meeting, the 2006-7 distribution of teacher subsidies and school materials was acknowledged as being very successful, especially as it was the first time in Karen history that all Karen schools were able to receive support. It was noted that there are still a number of individuals who continue to provide support to schools without notifying the Karen Education Department, however no decision was taken in how to deal with this issue. Dates and procedures for the 2007-8 distriubtion of support was agreed upon by all.>>>Back to top

June 5 , 2007
SPDC Builds Roads and Destroys Schools

Since the beginning of 2007, SPDC has been attempting to build a new road which passes through many Karen State villages starting from Ler Mu Plaw in Lu Thaw Township in northern Mutraw district to Bu Has Khee in Taungoo district. In order to build the road, the Burma army has destroyed many villages such as Ti Bwae Khee, Ti Hsie Khee, Ti Baw Day, Taw Ku Mu, Bo Na Der, T’May Kie, Kay Pu, Kaw Ter Der, T' yu Plaw, Eibanaysa, klen Mu, Ta Ken Der, Baw lay Der, His Day, Ku Mu Der, and Plo Khee. All schools in these villages were destroyed by SPDC. Some villages such as Ti Hsi Khee, Ti Bwae Khee, Taw Ku Mu, and Bo Na Der were burnt last month. All school materials were also destroyed.
Saw Lweh Gay, a KTWG mobile Trainer reported that all villagers in the destroyed villages became displaced people, and they didn’t have enough food and medicine. Some schools in k'baw Khee, Ti His Khee, Ti Bwae Khee, Bo Na Der and Taw Ku Mu villages were destroyed in July, 2006 and villagers have not been able to return since. >>>Back to top

May 25, 2007
A First in Karen State Education - All Schools Supported

For the first time in Karen history, all Karen State schools received basic educational assistance during the 2006-7 academic year. There were 914 schools with 2,691 teachers and 61,210 operating this year despite intensified Burmese military which forced the closure of over 100 schools and the displacement of tens of thousands of villagers.

KTWG and its partners were able to provide a 1300 Baht ($35 USD) subsidy to 2,447 teachers and 3 notebooks, 2 pens and a pencil to 57,967 students - the outstanding 244 teachers and 3,243students received support from other sources. Despite intense logistical and security issues, Karen education leaders successfully distributed subsidies and materials within the proposed time. >>>Back to top

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