EVERY nation seeks to improve the quality of its education system and produce well-educated individuals. An “educated person” is someone who possesses deep understanding, critical thinking skills, and the ability to judge right from wrong. Such individuals contribute meaningfully to society by making thoughtful decisions and shaping a better future.
In Myanmar’s history, the education sector has faced persistent challenges across different eras. During the reigns of ancient kings, scholars were occasionally sent abroad to study in Europe, but modern education was mainly reserved for royal princes. Even in the pre-independence period, educational access remained limited. After independence, only a small percentage of the population became truly educated. This calls for a re-examination of historical education models from ancient times through more recent eras.
A weak education system leads to a weak economy. Myanmar’s struggles in education and economic development have often been intertwined with political instability. Due to these overlapping issues, the country has repeatedly fallen behind in terms of peace, stability, and economic progress.
Various governments have attempted to address these issues by strengthening the education system. Building a strong economy depends on cultivating educated, capable citizens. Without a solid foundation of human resources, national progress is impossible. Therefore, the belief that a nation’s future relies on the strength of its educated population must always be upheld.
Currently, the number of individuals in Myanmar who complete formal education and enter professional fields remains low compared to the overall population. Many citizens, due to economic hardships or social constraints, are unable to pursue education beyond basic levels. Some educated individuals, facing political or economic challenges, are unable to contribute fully to national development.
To address this gap, the government has introduced Polytechnic and technical education programs to support students who did not finish upper secondary school or pass university entrance exams. These programs aim to equip them with vocational skills relevant to today’s workforce.
Moving forward, Myanmar must focus on producing more skilled professionals, particularly in agriculture and industry. With schools preparing to reopen, nationwide efforts are needed to ensure that all regions can resume education smoothly. Without this, areas that have experienced disruptions will continue to fall behind. A unified effort to raise the standard of education across all regions is essential for the country’s overall progress. Restoring peace and stability is the foundation for achieving these goals and improving Myanmar’s education sector.