THE government is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible education system that enhances the skills and knowledge of the nation’s citizens. This is essential for fostering a skilled workforce that can drive production and manu­facturing. However, due to limitations in human resources within the education sector, reforms are necessary to improve the system.

 

Educational reform should be a continuous process. The current education system has significant deficiencies, which have led to challenges across various sectors. Therefore, changes are needed to address these issues. As citizens and parents, it is our responsibility to support education, eliminate barriers to teaching, and ensure that children are on the right educational path. By doing so, we can help achieve national develop­ment goals and contribute to the success of our collective aspirations.

 

Efforts are underway to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of the population. Myanmar has a literacy rate of about 90 per cent, but less than 50 per cent of the popu­lation has completed formal education. This gap presents a major challenge in building a new, thriving nation.

 

There is a noticeable dif­ference between individuals who attend school and those who do not, particularly in terms of mental development, discipline, and social relation­ships. The level of education, whether attained or not, will also influence the future polit­ical stability of the country. For this reason, the government does not neglect those with limited formal education. It supports extracurricular edu­cation through initiatives such as opening libraries, promoting library activities, and organiz­ing reading circles, all of which contribute to non-formal education.

 

The Head of State has worked with relevant ministries to ensure the production of the necessary human resources in Myanmar. Polytechnic universities have been established in various regions, including Nay Pyi Taw, and in states and divisions. Government technical colleges, industrial and vocational schools, and higher technical institutions have also been set up to meet the demand for skilled professionals.

 

In the upcoming academic year, schools in Nay Pyi Taw will primarily cater to those who have not completed primary education. The government plans to expand this initiative to other regions and states in subsequent academic years. The 2024-2025 academic year saw over 220,000 candidates take university entrance exams, the highest number since the 2021-2022 academic year. In the future, efforts will focus on increasing this number. Education remains a cornerstone of the country’s development. Continued reforms and improvements in educational standards are essential for the advancement of human resources and the nation’s future success.