Leverage non-formal education for youths

EDUCATION is a strong support for everyone’s life, environment, and nation. Countries that possess good educational environments not only enhance social and economic life but also support the development and progress of the nation. In countries with weak educational environments, social and economic life and national development are lacking. There­fore, every country continues to support and promote education.

 

According to the 2019 intermediate population and housing census, there are approximately 4.1 million illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, including both youth and elderly people. Therefore, the total number of citizens unable to receive edu­cation and living outside of school is around 6.8 million. In Myanmar, approximately one in every seven people among the over 50 million population is excluded from education.

 

Due to lack of education, it is necessary to uplift those living in difficult conditions to free them from their low­er status. According to the Ministry of Education, over 8,500 individuals who were ei­ther illiterate or out of school were provided with education between January 2023 and April 2024. During this period, 78,397 people received basic literacy education, and 7,434 individuals were enrolled in continuing education pro­grammes.

 

Section 28 (a) of the Con­stitution (2008) states that the Union shall earnestly strive to improve the education and health of the people. In Chapter (5) of the National Education Law, Section 11 specifies that the State shall, in implementing the national education system, relate and carry out such by practising the following means of acquir­ing education: (a) Formal ed­ucation; (b) Non-Formal Edu­cation; and (c) Informal Education. Through these programmes, the current education gap is being addressed.

 

The reasons for not receiving education are often linked to various social and economic difficulties. At present, the Minis­try of Science and Technology’s technical support programme, people in remote areas, regardless of where they are located, have been able to carry out basic literacy programmes using their mobile phones.

 

Therefore, education provides the knowledge that allows one to discern between right and wrong, good and bad, and cause and effect. Only when all citizens are well-versed in knowledge can they establish a powerful collective force capable of advancing the nation’s interests. In Myanmar, there is a gap in providing educational opportunities for those who are missing out on the chance to learn, and it is urged that we unite to support and fill this gap to ensure the widespread distribution of knowledge.