State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wrote on her Facebook page yesterday that for the country to develop, this was the time for students, teachers, parents and the Government to all pull together. Myanmar children need to continue their journey for knowledge, never faltering as they march on. She urged them to build up their strength. This was what she wrote:

The high schools reopened the other day. In the whole country, there were 7,173 Basic Education High Schools; out of this health inspections were done and 3,999 schools have been permitted to reopen. Over one million boys and girls got enrolled. Since we have spaced out the school attendance by a week, 0.554 million students attended class this week.

Schools which were not allowed to reopen were because disinfectant spraying processes have not been completed; and because necessary requirements with respect to washbasins, toilets and trash bins with pedals had not been fulfilled. Speedy action would be taken to fulfil these requirements and permission would be given for these schools to reopen.

When the children started their first school day, I heard that there were difficulties because of the new way of learning. Having to wear masks and face shields for a long time, and having to stay away from their friends, must have been rather difficult for these youngsters. I also learnt that teachers suffered more physical and mental stress than before.

My father used to encourage young soldiers undertaking strenuous military training with these words: “pursue knowledge like a beggar”. The lessons they had to learn for the nation’s independence. Now, for the country to develop, this is the time for students, teachers, parents and the Government to all pull together; our children need to continue their journey for knowledge, never faltering as they march on. Please build up your strength.

(Translated by Kyaw Myaing)