Civil war closes some 13,700 Myanmar schools

More than a quarter of Myanmar’s public schools, around 13,700 out of 48,753, have been forced to close due to the ongoing civil war in the country, RFA reported yesterday citing the military junta’s Ministry of Education.

In western Chin state, only 38 schools remain open out of around 1,500, while over 4,200 schools have been shuttered in the Sagaing region. Junta troops have frequently targeted civilian buildings, including schools, during clashes with insurgent forces.

The shadow National Unity Government has opened over 4,300 schools in areas under insurgent control, but these too have faced airstrikes from the military. Intense fighting has also disrupted education in Kayah state, though the local interim council has managed to open more than 400 schools since 2021.