Overview of MNEC’s Background
In 1948, shortly after gaining independence from British rule, various non-Burmese groups, including the Mon people, initiated armed revolution against the Yangon government, which was heavily influenced by the Burmese. The goals of this armed revolution centered on establishing a genuine federal union and ensuring self-determination. In 1972, the New Mon State Party established the Mon National Education Department and began operating Mon National Schools in close collaboration with Mon communities. These schools aimed to provide mother tongue-based multilingual education, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict, such as Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region, where the Mon people reside.
In 1992, the Mon National Education Committee (MNEC) was formed to develop Mon National Education policy and collaborate with international donor agencies. MNEC primarily serves rural and remote areas where the population, mainly engaged in agriculture or small businesses, typically earns a daily income of (Â Â Â Â ) kyat. Many of these areas are either affected by ongoing conflict or in a post-conflict phase. The Mother Tongue-Based and Multi-Lingual Education provided by Mon National Schools has not only been instrumental in preserving the Mon language and literature but has also facilitated meaningful education for children in their mother tongue.
Currently, there are 142 Mon national schools, including 4 high schools, mostly situated in Mon State, with some also in Karen State and Tanintharyi Region. MNEC provides to approximately 13,500 students, supported by 800 teachers. Following a ceasefire agreement between the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Tatmadaw government in 1995, MNEC has had more opportunities to provide education to the Mon community through Mon national schools. According to the ceasefire agreement, schools can transfer students between each other, and high school students under MNEC operated can participate in the government-organized matriculation examination and the students who pass the matriculation, can join the different universities in Myanmar.
In 2012, the NMSP signed a bilateral agreement with the quasi-military government led by Thein Sein. Taking the opportunity of the political openness of the new government, MNEC established an office in Mawlamyine, initially renting a house and gradually expanding over seven years and now can run own office to operate more effectively with over 80 staff members. Additionally, MNEC has worked towards strengthening the education system with financial and technical support from World Education for over a decade and has partnered with the Myanmar Education Consortium (MEC) since 2017.
MNEC has fostered a strong partnership with the Mon community and achieved long-term sustainability by establishing funding activities at the school, township, and central levels through the founding Mon education membership program. MNEC’s institutions facilitate student transfers between government and Mon national schools, maintaining consistency in the overall school structure despite differences in language policies. These initiatives underscore the commitment of Mon National Schools to preserving Mon culture and heritage while providing quality education to Mon children.
All children will complete at least primary level education, while physically strong and healthy with an attitude to live with other nationalities in the country peacefully and developing holistically who can contribute for the development of ever learning society.
In carrying out formal education and informal education related educational programs and activities, focus will be given for capacity building activities, advocacy and awareness raising activities among the communities. Planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of educational development activities will be made through networking, coordination and cooperation with other educational development organizations, agencies, civil organizations, professional associations, community-based organizations and Government Departments.
To provide all children get quality Mon national education by creating conducive learning environment on community-based self-help basis or other approaches that will help children develop holistically.
Educational Objectives of Mon Education Department
The following are General Objectives of Mon Education Department
To create opportunity for all children in Mon Community to have access to quality basic education.
To cultivate good citizenship, well equipped with five strengths- physically, mentally, morally, socially and economically.
To bring up good citizens with a strong sense of patriotic spirit.
To train good and intelligent human resources required for modernized country.
To develop unity among Mon people and attitude to live peacefully with people from other ethnic groups.
To cultivate in Mon people love of Mother language, culture and traditional customs and maintain them.
To train people agriculture based industrial education.
To train people in art and science fields to become contributors for the country.
To train people love of the environment and protect and maintain it.