THE CURRENT
EDUCATION SYSTEM IN
(YEAR 2000
EDUCATION REPORT)
REPORTED
BY
(FOREIGN
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE)
ALL
PHONE (+66-2)
731 1980,
EMAIL bakatha@loxinfo.co.th,
oway@loxinfo.co.th
WEBSITE
http://www.abfsu.net
We,
the Foreign Affairs Committee - All Burma Federation of Student Unions, present
this education report about the current education situation in
CONTENTS
Part I: The situation of civilian education in Burma
Chapter 1: Introduction
and Summary
(A)
Summary of the report
(B)
(C)
Brief background of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions
(D)
Brief background of the political situation and the significant role of
students in
Chapter 2: Primary and
Middle Standard Education in
(A)
Learning opportunities for Basic Students
(B)
Experimental Education
(C)
The Expensive Cost of Education
(D)
Basic Education and Computers
Chapter 3: High School
Standard Education in
(A)
Changes in the High Standard System
(B)
Opportunities to Choose a University and College
(C)
High Standard and Tuition (Culture)
Chapter 4: Universities
and Colleges in
Chapter 5: What is the
Chapter 6: Institutes in
Chapter 7: Technological
Universities and Colleges in
Chapter 8: Association
of Government Technical Institute (AGTI)
Chapter 9: Evening
Diploma Courses
Chapter 10: The
Part II: The army education system in Burma
Chapter 1: Introduction
and summary
(A)
Summary
(B)
Facts and Statistics of the Burmese Army
(C)
Background information of the
(D)
Background of military educated elite in
Chapter 2: Schools
directly controlled by the military regime
(A)
Defense Services Institute of Medicine
(B)
Defense Services Institute of Technological
(C)
(D)
Defense Services Institute of Nursing
Chapter 3: Schools
indirectly controlled by the military regime
(A)
Marine Institute
(B)
Central Institute for Civil Service
(C)
(D)
University for Foreign Language
(E)
The
(F)
Cultural University
Chapter 4: Military
Basic Education
Chapter 5: The widening
gap between military and civilian education
(A)
Military Education
1.
Officer training
2.
Training for other ranks
3.
Foreign exposure and experience
(B)
The modernization of Burmese military weapons
(C)
Comparison of the graduate rate between military and civilian students
Conclusion
__________________________________________________________________________________
Part I: The situation of
civilian education in Burma
Chapter 1: Summary and
Background Information
As
there are those who are not familiar with our student group, or
A. Summary of the report
The
military regime in
The
country's economy is rapidly collapsing, and common people across the nation
are struggling to survive, yet teacher salaries remain low and the cost of
education is high and rising. Beginning from the lowest level of primary school
through to the institutions of higher learning, only those with enough money
are able to receive their education. 9.5 million of Burma's children are unable
to even begin their basic education, and of those that do start primary school,
only 37% are able to go on to the middle school level.
The
illiteracy rate in
For
those that are able to attend school, the quality of the education is
insufficient, and military mentality is encouraged. All schools, at all levels
use outdated textbooks that were introduced in the 1960's to promote the
socialist military ideology. School materials and equipment are insufficiently
supplied and also outdated. School textbooks, like all other forms of
literature and expression in
Quality
education has been lost as the requirements for passing grades has been
reduced. A new exam system significantly lessened the need to study in order to
pass in primary, middle and high school levels, and cheat sheets are widely
available for sale at the time of exams, a fact which is known by the junta,
but ignored. Instead, students who join the junta's Union Solidarity and
Development Association, and who participate in their teachers' tutoring
classes outside of school are favored to pass. Bribes and corruption are often
a reality for students who wish to pass with good grades.
After
students pass 10th standard, they face even more difficulties. Post-high school
education has been increasingly problematic and unstable since the
student-incited national uprisings of 1988. The military junta responded to
these demonstrations by arresting the student leaders and indefinitely closing
all schools of higher learning in
The
quality of education has also been sacrificed as course content was simply cut
out to allow for the shortened terms when schools were in session, and
corruption is commonplace at the university level for passing grades. As a
result of the unavailability of civilian university education, students have
been forced to enroll in military institutes, the University of
Distant Education (UDE), and the more recently opened institutes of technology.
However, the education through these institutions is not sufficient.
The
UDE programs sorely lack in opportunity for students to actively learn. Also,
when the technical universities were recently re-opened, the system was changed
so that students in 2nd and 3rd year must attend new 'Technical Colleges' that
are placed in locations far from the main cities and university campuses, which
makes life very difficult for them. The institutions available to Burmese
students are not only insufficient, they are also
unaffordable for most.
The
current system ensures that the children of the military officials and their
circle with money are able to receive an education, and is used by the junta to
prove to the international community that they are progressing in their nation's
education system. The government's attempts at improving the education system
have proven to be ineffective, as the programs they have introduced in
actuality do not benefit the students. The government has neglected to provide
the essentials of modern textbooks and school equipment, and has more
significantly failed to bring about the necessary changes in the political and
social conditions of
According
to this motto, every country can see the results of their education system
after 14 or 15 years. The Burmese military regime has repeatedly changed
academic protocol in the national education system, yet there have been no
positive results. Although
Education
is inter-related with every social, economic, political, and traditional aspect
of a civilization and its history and cannot be divided from these.
B. Burma facts and
statistics
Location:
Southeast Asian region
Area:
261,228 square miles
Population:
50 million (approximate)
Population
per square km: 66
Percentage
of population in rural areas: 75%
Population
growth per year: 18.4%
Ethnic
Groups: 135
Languages:
100
People
under 14: 35%
Average
daily income: 263 Kyat
Currency
rate: 1
Main
Religions: Buddhist (85%), Muslim, Christian, Hindu
C. Brief Background of
the All
Since
its founding as a student union in 1936, the ABFSU has played a significant
role in leading the student mass to call for their student rights, democratic
education, democracy, internal peace, and the national interests of
In
August 1998, the Foreign Affairs' Committee (FAC) was established as a branch
of the ABFSU main body on the Thai-Burma border. It emerged with the objectives
to support the activities of the students inside
D. Brief background of
the political situation and the significant role of students in Burma
In
1885, after 3 wars,
The
British colonial ruler permitted the university, partly to appease the demands
Burmese patriotic students who did not wish to study under
In
1936, a second student strike was sparked when the university council dismissed
Ko Aung San, the editor of the student paper, 'Oway Journal', who would later
come to be known as General ("Boh") Aung San, the national hero.
Aung
San was dismissed for an article that had spoken against and ridiculed the
British government. After this second student strike, the All Burma Students
Union emerged, which gave birth to national leaders.
In
1942, a group of students and youths known as the 30 comrades, or "Thakins"
(masters), led by Aung San, went to Japan to seek arms to fight the British
colonial government. On their return from
The
Japanese army had initially declared
During
the time Bogyoke Aung San headed this league, he was able to secure the
confidence of the many ethnic groups, which had been influenced by
These
groups and parties signed a historically important document on
On
However,
as the trust that had been gained between the ethnic groups at the PinLong
Convention had been lost after the assassination,
In
1951, ABSU change their constitution to federation style and took the name of
the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU). The ABFSU worked to
organize the people towards activities for internal peace and democratic rights
for the entire country. The ABFSU held an education seminar and presented their
principles as guidance for the government in 1958. In the resulting ABFSU
education paper, the students advised to the government to rectify the
education system. Even the Prime Minister praised this education report. Yet
these reports, representing the students voices, went unheeded as the military
took power a month later, citing the need for national security. The parliamentary
system was reinstated briefly, but the military took power again in March 1962,
the second time in
The
military dictatorship led by Ne Win accused the student union of witchcraft and
bombed the union building in the early morning of
The
students appeared as a significant freedom fighting force when a Rangoon
Institute of Technology student was killed unjustly by the army on
The
National League for Democracy (NLD) emerged as a legally political party, led
by Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Gen. Aung San. The NLD under her
leadership quickly gained the confidence of the peoples. Even though the junta
put Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest in 1989, prior to the elections, the
NLD still won the elections with over 82% of the votes in the multi-party democracy
election on
On
The
Burmese military regime remains in power, and the quality of people's lives in
*************************
Chapter 2: Primary and
Middle Standard Education in
"Everyone
has the rights to education. Education shall be free, at least in the
elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be
compulsory."
(A) Learning
opportunities for Basic Students
The
Burma Military regime, or the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC),
previously known as SLORC, has ignored civilian
education since they seized power on
Type of school Number of
Schools
Primary
Level 37,627
Middle
Level 3,695
High
Level 1,572
Total Students (7) million in the entire nation.
The population of the
primary and middle standard student list from 1992 to 1997 (x100)
Level 1992-93
1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97
Primary 5919 5896 5531
5337 5351
Middle 1109 1159 1358
1475 1571
Percentage 18.76% 19.43% 23.04% 26.48% 29.43%
of students
able to attend
school
From
1992 - 1997, only 24.59% of students went on to middle standard from the
primary level. There are 16.24 million children in
(B) Experimental
Education
In
order to manage basic education in
Nothing
has been changed in the textbook or education standards since this system was
founded in the early 1970's, although the SPDC has inserted new learning
material according to the propaganda of their ruling system. The regime has
also introduced a new social subject, promoting xenophobia, to be learned at
the basic level. In addition, the regime established the Continuous Assessment
and Progression System (CAPS) project in 11,967 basic primary and middle
schools in 277 Townships nation-wide. Under this new system, the regime forced
the schools to change the basic and middle level standard final test exam
system. The junta's new 'Chapter End Test' policy makes it possible for a
student to sit for a re-exam if he failed in one subject or more. Therefore,
every student is always able to pass the year's final exam. The regime is quite
clearly concerned more with quantity then quality of education.
Unfortunately,
most of the students have come to believe that they can easily pass their exams
every academic year without really studying their textbooks. Further, the
regime pressures the basic and middle students to become members of the
army-sponsored association, the Union Solidarity and Development Association
(USDA), and to be active in various events. The students are required to be
involved in sport fairs led by the military junta and are forced to pay respect
to and entertain, with dancing and singing, the senior members of the military
regime when they visit. If the students fulfil these 'social' requirements,
they receive extra marks on their final examination and recommendations from
their schoolteachers. If the students fail any subjects in the final exam, he
must sit for a re-exam for the unsuccessful subject or subjects. The Continuous
Assessment and Progression System has failed, as even the student's parents
give money to the schoolteachers to seek successful marks for their sons and
daughters. This system has encouraged corruption at all levels of education in
Burmese society.
(C) The Expensive Cost
of Education
Every
year in June schools open and a final examination is held for all basic education
level students. In the past, the students were required to pay 3 sets of fees
at this time. These fees covered textbooks, exercise books, and a fund for the
parent-teacher association. However, the students are now required to pay extra
fees for school cleaning, examination papers, school dress, sport, computer
setup, in school tutoring, and the USDA membership fee. They pay 3,000 Kyats at
the time of enrolment and also must pay at least 500 Kyats per month for in
school tutoring fees.
The
government doesn't distribute enough textbooks, exercise books, and other
learning materials for the basic education students, so even though the
students have paid a fee for textbooks, they must buy them from other sources.
The cost is around 1,000 Kyats for one primary level textbook set and 2,000
Kyats for middle level standard. Students also have to purchase their exercise
books from external sources, which costs about 200 to
600 Kyats for a dozen, in addition to the government fee for exercise books.
This material is essential for the students for learning but because the junta
doesn't provide enough for this need, the students are forced to pay beyond the
tuition fees.
School Fees for One Year
of Basic Education in
Primary Level (Kyats) Middle Level (Kyats)
Enrollment 500 500
Parent/teacher Assn. 200 300
Textbook 150 200
Exercise
book 75 100
School
Building 100 200
Furniture 200 300
USDA
membership 50 50
Due
to the economic crisis in
As
the classes are designed according to this system, most students require extra
teaching outside of the classroom, and therefore must pay about 1000 Kyats per
month for the primary level, and 2,000 Kyats for middle level tutoring.
Most
students, especially those, who live in rural areas, are unable to attend
school because of the high cost and numerous fees.
Main reasons for student
dropouts in
Causes Ages
High
tuition and fees 20 (80%) 185 (55.6%) 205 (57.6%)
Home
chores - 11 (3.3%) 11 (3.3%)
Care
for family 1 (4.3%) 5 (1.5%) 6 (1.7%)
(younger siblings, etc.)
Help
home business 1 (4.3%) 16
(4.8%) 17 (4.8%)
Part-time
work - 40 (12%) 40 (12%)
Illness 1 (4.3%) 6 (1.8%) 7 (2%)
Permanent
work -
4 (1.2%) 4 (1.2%)
Not
interested - 56 (16.8%) 56 (16.8%)
Belief
that education - 1 (0.3%) 1 (0.3%)
is not useful.
Other - 9 (0.7%) 9 (0.7%)
Total 23
(6.5%) 333 (93.5%) 356 (100%)
(Reference from Labor Department & UNICEF report on
working Children and Women.)
The
above chart was completed by the Burma Labor Ministry and UNICEF joint research
team, who analyzed the rate of dropout base on the cases of (1163) children in
(D) Basic Education and
Computers
The
military regime has forced the primary level students to give money for the
setup of computers in state schools in
For
Example:
The
cost to set up computers in State schools in
The
cost to set up computers in State schools in BEHS #3 in Bago was 7.9 million
Kyats.
The
cost to set up computers in State schools in BEHS #1 in Bago was 4.35 million
Kyats. 40 students must pay 421,000 Kyats in fees in order to learn Computer. (1,525 Kyats per person.) The junta claims that they promote
education in
Practically,
however, the junta uses the money from the people and students to set up the
computers, without any government provision or funding. In State schools, the
teachers cannot fully explain computers as they do not have enough computer
knowledge themselves, and in addition, the classes are not open to all
students. Therefore, this program isn't effective, but is merely something the
junta can use for show.
The
junta claims that providing computers will sufficiently "modernize"
the nation's education system, but they have yet to take the responsibility to
institute libraries in all schools, to provide modernized learning resources
such as laboratories, and updated textbooks, and to provide sufficient learning
tools such as pencils, rulers and exercise books. In the major cities of
There
are averages of 5 computers in each of these schools, with an average teacher/student
ratio of 1:150. Therefore, there are not enough computers or teachers for the
students to learn hands on. They are taught the computer by lecture only, which
leads the student to be intimidated in actually using a computer.
*******************
Chapter 3: High School
Standard Education
"Higher
education shall be equally accessible to all on the basic of merit."
"Parents
have a prior rights to chose the kind of education
that shall be given to their children."
(A) Changes in the High School
Standard System
The
Burmese junta is changing the education system nation-wide. In the past, the
8th and 10th Standard Final Exams were standard government exams, the same
throughout the whole country. The 8th Standard is the final level in the Middle
level, and the 10th standard is the final level for the high school standard
level. Also, the government previously recognized Art and Science as separate
subjects in regard to the 8th Standard final exam. However, the regime has
changed this system.
Since
1992, the exam papers have been written by each individual school, instead of
the central government, and the Arts and Sciences are no longer separated in
the high school standard level. The high school education system has been
changed 6 times since 1965.
Years Subjects Entrance requirements Remark
1965-1986 Burmese,
English, According to grades All subjects taught in
Mathematics, Geography achieved Burmese, exp. English
History,
Economics, Sciences
(Physics, Chemistry)
1987-1994
Arts: Burmese, English, Math, - All subjects taught in
Geography, History,
Economic English exp. Burmese
Sciences: Burmese,
English, - All subjects taught in
Math, Physics,
Chemistry, Biology Burmese, exp: English
Ordinary: Burmese,
English, - All subjects taught in
Geography, History,
Economics Burmese, exp. English
Applied subjects
1995-1999
Burmese, English, Math, - All subjects taught
Sciences (Physics, Chemistry,
in
English, (exp. Burmese and Biology)
Arts (Geography, Arts subject.
History, Economics)
1999-
Present Burmese, English, Math, University/College Same
as Sciences
(Physics, Chemistry Entrance
Exams in
Biology), Arts (Geography,
addition to marks.
History, Economics)
In the 1998-99 Academic Year, the regime changed the
name of the 10th Standard Basic Education Standard to the Matriculation Level.
The 10th Standard final exams are no longer standard exams the same throughout
the nation. They are now written by each individual state or division. There
are approximately 4 million students that sit for the 10th Standard final exam
every year. Only 1/3 of these students pass the exam.
After
the 1988 uprisings, the regime reopened the high schools in 1989. The students
who passed the 10th standard final exam from 1990 to 1995 were able to attend
University, Colleges and
(B) Opportunities to
choose Universities and Colleges
All
universities, colleges, and institutions were closed in
High
School graduates from the 1990 to 1995 10th standard classes were able to
attend University, Colleges and
The
junta's Higher Education Department, which controls all universities and
colleges, became two departments in 1997; the Higher Education Department (
Then
in 1999, the regime changed this entrance system to the matriculation method.
The regime introduced the matriculation exam system to high school students in
the 1998-99 academic year, and then changed the name
of the high school level to "Matriculation" in 1999. The junta forced
the new system on the students and teachers, but didn't adequately explain what
the new system meant. Therefore, even now the High school students and teachers
don't fully understand the matriculation exam system. Tutors merely explain to
their students that the matriculation exam extends to another entrance exam the
students must take to attend university. Under the matriculation examination
system, students must now take two entrance exams for university; one at the
end of the 10th standard, and another when applying for university.
For
example, if a student is interested in engineering and wants to join the
Technical Institute, he must first try to get very high marks in the 10th
standard matriculation exam. If the student passes with adequate marks, he then
has to sit for an entrance exam when applying to the Technical Institute. After
he passes the two exams successfully, he can then attend the GTI (Government
Technical Institute) for two academic years. After completing the GTI program,
the student can attend the GTC (
For
the fifth year and final step to a Bachelor of Engineering, the student must
attend the
However,
nearly 91% of these students have suffered from the economic crisis in
(C) High School
Education and Tuition
The
Military Regime has opened 1,527 high schools nation-wide. High school students
are required to pay 3,000 Kyats per academic year in tuition to attend
In
So
in addition to the high fees they must pay for their State school education,
High school standard students must spend a lot of money for external tutoring
classes. Students spend at least 200 Kyats to 2,000 Kyats per subject per
month. Therefore, the total average expense per month for a high school
standard education is between 3,000 and 20,000 Kyats. While some students can
afford the additional cost of external tutoring, others cannot and have to
purchase special textbook from sources outside of school.
Poor
students, especially those, who live in rural areas, are unable to attend
external tutoring classes because of the high cost.
It
is common practice for students with enough money to purchase and smuggle in
the exam "Question Paper" from the relatives of the military society
the day before the exam. Every year in the final examination period, this
"Question Paper" is sold, but it overlooked by the regime, as it
doesn't concern them. The price is about 10,000 to 30,000 Kyats.
Some
high school standard students use this paper to cheat on their exams and do not
study. By their lack of control in this matter, the government neglects the
moral behavior of the students.
The
students then lose confidence in the education system, and the changes the
government is bringing about in it. The regime believes that it has effectively
controlled the civilian education system, and is proud and confident in itself
for suppressing and oppressing this education. They believe that if the
civilian education system is effectively destroyed, that the military education
system will become the most powerful in the nation.
*****************************
Chapter 4: Universities
and Colleges in
"Education
shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the
strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall
promote understanding, tolerance an friendship among
all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of
the United Nations for the maintenance of peace."
In
1920,
However,
the present Military dictatorship in
Record of the opening
and closing of universities and colleges from 1988 to 2000
(1)
In June 1988, the military government, the BSPP (Burma Socialist Programs
Party), in response to the mass protests against their rule, indefinitely
closed all universities in the country. Even after the multi party democracy
election was held in 1990, the regime continued to neglect university
education. It wasn't until
(2)
Universities and colleges were re-opened again in June 1992. The academic year
was only 5 months, however, as Universities closed again in November 1992.
(3)
The regime again reduced the academic year when they re-opened the universities
in March 1993 and closed them again in July of that year.
(4)
Following their policy of short academic years, the regime opened universities
and colleges again in September 1993 and then closed them in January 1994.
Later in 1994, students were permitted to attend universities from August to
December.
(5)
From May to September 1995, universities were re-opened for a 4-month academic
year. Then on
(6)
All universities, colleges and institutes were re-opened on
(7)
The regime has not allowed universities and colleges to reopen since that time
until now. The regime only permits university students to take examinations. On
The
Military Regime's Higher Education Department completely controls all
Universities, Colleges, and Institutes. 2 Institutes, 2 Universities, 3 Degree
Colleges and 8 Colleges are under the control of the Higher Education
Department (
Therefore,
most university graduates end up working in Government Offices and Departments
as civil servants or else try and open private small business to earn their
living. University graduates usually don't attempt to use their degree in job
application, as they are well aware that their degrees are not useful in the
domestic working field or abroad. The present military regime has brought great
changes to the university education system within the past decade.
University
courses were taught in English but the regime changed this standard to Burmese,
except for a period in 1993 when English was again the classroom language. They
have also made significant amendments to all the university courses and
re-edited textbook to align with the expectations of military rule. Modern lab
practical equipment and the latest edition of textbooks are also lacking, to
the detriment of the universities.
Also
within the last 10 years, the military regime has instituted new colleges and
universities nation-wide. They changed the levels of education, so that the
Degree Colleges became Colleges, and Colleges became Universities, but failed
to upgrade the university education system at all. The Higher Education
Department has taken out or disposed of 2/3 of the lessons from the original
courses in order that the course may be taught within a 4-month academic year.
In addition, since the 1988 uprisings, the regime has made it so students do
not study in the same universities together for a long period of time, and
students are forced to learn in various universities over the course of their
studies.
Before
1996, the regime allowed the universities to open for regular term a mere 4
months. The rest of the time the universities were only open for post-graduate
classes and Honors classes. Since the second week of December 1996, when all
Universities were closed, the regime has not allowed them to be re-opened. The
regime has permitted short-term diploma training classes on the university
campus in order to show to the world that universities are open in
*****************************
Chapter 5: What is the
The
Distant Education System originated from
In
July 1992, the regime changed the Correspondence program to the Distant
Education Program. The
The
students must pay tuition when they enroll to study through the UDE program.
When the program opened for the 1999 academic year, the cost of the program was
about 4,000 Kyats. In addition, the distant students were responsible to
purchase the textbooks, cassette tapes, and lecture assignments required for
the year. Yet the UDE textbooks and assignments aren't useful for the students
because the UDE tutors don't use these texts for the final exam. Instead, they
publish a new assignment book near the final exam time and sell it to the
students. When the regime opened the UDE program in December 1999, they
announced that the final examination would be held in May 2000. However, the junta
has temporarily closed the classes for these years' students, and postponed the
examination date to August 2000.
Even
though the regime has closed the universities, colleges, and degree colleges in
the entire country, the UDE program continued to function. Therefore, many day
university students have moved to the UDE program. Nearly 2/3 of the university
students has changed to study through the UDE, as they
have suffered from the long-term closure of their universities. However, UDE
students also face difficulties as the regime has increased the cost to study
in the UDE program.
Cost to enroll in the
UDE program for the 2000-2001 academic year.
Year Major Cost
First
year Arts 7,000
Kyats
First
year Science 4,000
Kyats
Second
year Arts 5,500
Kyats
Second
year Science 4,000 Kyats
Third
year Arts 5,000
Kyats
Third
year Science 4,000 Kyats
Fourth
year Arts 4,700 Kyats
Fourth
year Science 4,000 Kyats
In
Year University and College Location
First Thanlyin College South-east Rangoon
Second Hlaing College Rangoon suburban area
Third Kyimyindine College Rangoon suburban area
Fourth Rangoon University Rangoon suburban area
In
For
the students majoring in the Arts, the students are only required to attend
lectures 10 days prior to the final exam. The 10 days of study and final exam
are held in the nearest State High Schools to the students.
*********************
Chapter
6: Institutes in
"Technical
and professional education shall be made generally available"
In
December 1999, the military regime re-opened the Institutes, which had been
closed for 3 years, or since December 1996. In addition, the regime reduced the
number of years required to study in order to obtain a diploma in each
Institute. The regime only re-opened the Institutes of Technology in
List of
reductions in the length of courses of Institutes
Name of Institute Location Reduction of Years Number of students
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Medicine
(7) Yangon Technological Kyokyon,
University Thanyin,
Hlaingtaryar,
(8) Mandalay Technological
University
(9)
(10) University for Agriculture Pyinmanar,
(11)
Science (
(12)
Science (
(13)
(14) University for Basic Rangoon 5
to 4 years - 100
Health
(15) Medical Science Rangoon 5
to 4 years –
50
If high school standard graduates want to
join these institutes and universities, they must apply to the High Education
Department, and are accepted to of the institutes according to the marks of the
high school exam. In the 1998-1999 academic year, the
authorities changed the entrance system to these institutes. According to the
new entrance system, the students must sit through another entrance exam to
enter these universities. As the cost of tuition and other fees has increased
in these universities, most students are unable to study.
******************
Chapter 7: Technological
Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Science
Under
the regime's Ministry of Science and Technology, 5 Universities, 19 Colleges
and 45 diploma training courses are now running.
Technological
Universities
1.
Yangoon Technological University
2.
3.
Prom Technological University
4.
Yangon Institute of Computer Science
5.
Mandalay Institute of Computer Science
Technological Colleges
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
About the Technological Universities (Formerly the
Institutes of Technology) and Technical Colleges. In 1924, the first
Engineering Department was set up at
Then
the government closed the RIT on March 17,1988.4 years
later, in 1991, the military regime reopened Rangoon Institute of Technology.
However, the authority opened the classes for only 4 months instead of normal 10-month
academic year.
The
1996 student movements were also started from the RIT students. Following the
student's peaceful demonstrations held on campuses nation-wide, the regime
closed all classes at RIT, and all universities and colleges across the country.
In August 1998, the authority forced the students to sit the exam for 1996-97
academic year's course during the 10 days of opening
the classes. Though the student had strike for the short-term study before the
exam in
In
Jan 2000, the regime opened some institutes including Institutes of Technology.
However, in order to disperse the student mass at the institutes, they have
changed the system. In the past, students in the Institutes of Technology (ITs)
studied from their first year to their final year's course in one university,
at one location. The students who received high marks on their high school exam
were able to join the Institutes of Technology, and work towards their Bachelor
of Engineering, which was a 6-year course.
Students
whose marks were lower previously joined the GTI, or Government Technical
Institutes to obtain a GTI diploma (described below.) Now, students must study
at 3 different schools in order to obtain their B.E.
Classes
Location Degree first year and second year course Government Technical A.G.T.I
third year and fourth year course Technical Colleges B (Tech) final year and
Master course Technological University B .E/ M.E
Students
can no longer join the ITs (now University of Technology) directly from high
school, all students who wish to get a B.E. must first apply to the AGTI, then
try to get the marks necessary to join the Technical Colleges. If they're
grades from the AGTI courses were not outstanding, the students are not able to
go on to the Technical colleges, and must settle for the A.G.T.I diploma. If
they go on to the
The
former
Therefore,
their opportunities to receive their B.E. were lowered. The former students
were not at all happy with the new system. Some quit the Institute, and others
staged a strike in February 2000 against the new system. After the strike, the
junta promised the former students they would have no difficulty to receive
their B .E., but it remains to be seen what will
actually happen, and the junta has given the students little reason to trust
them. In addition, most of the new Technical Colleges are located in new
facilities, far away from the cities. There are many problems as they lack
facilities, teachers, and lab practical materials. Also, the students are not
provided with government hostels (dormitories) and so must pay for the cost for
the living and food on their own.
************************
Chapter 8: Association
of Government Technical Institutes (AGTI)
Until
1996, these schools were under the Department of Technology and Institutes, of
the Ministry of Education. On
The location and numbers
of AGTI Schools are as follows:
1.
Insein
2.
Thanyin
3.
Mawbe
Sagaing Division
1.
Sagaing
1.
Pathein
2.
Mau Pin
3.
Pyapon
4.
Hintada
5.
Wakhama
Pegu Division
l.
Pyi
2.
Thaungoo
1.
Pyinmanar
2.
Mattilar
3.
Magwe Division
1.
Chauk
2.
Tayet
3.
Yenanchaung
4.
Magwe
1.
Myintkyina
1.
AyeThaYar
2.
Thaung Gyi
3.
Hae Hoo
4.
Lashio
Phar
Out
(Mawlamyine)
Subjects in AGTI schools
1.
Mechanical Power
2.
Machinery Tools
3.
Electrical Power
4.
Electronics and Communication
5.
Civil Engineering
6.
Mining
7.
Food and Chemicals 8. Plastics and Rubber
The
first GTI course was the GTI (Insein), which was founded in 1896 under the
colonial rule in
After
the student movements of 1996, GTI schools were also closed by the regime,
along with all other schools of higher learning. Later, in 1997, all GTI
schools except one (Insein GTI) were reopened and students were forced to sit
for their final exams with only one month of lecture time. In March 1998, the
Insein GTI was closed and the students were moved to Thanyin GTI. The monthly
cost of the AGTI program is 300 Kyats. Only the top 20 students of the final
year exam can enter the Technical Colleges to study for their B(Tech).
**************************
Chapter 9: Evening
Diploma Course (Engineering subjects)
In
1999, the authorities opened Evening Diploma Courses in every institute and
university. At this time, evening courses for engineering subjects at AGTI
Schools were also opened. The cost for the evening program in the Rangoon AGTI
schools is 3,000 kyats per month (however, government civil servants pay only
2,500 Kyats per month). In other cities, the cost is 2,500 Kyats per month. The
course term for the Evening Diploma course is 2 year. The certificate of this
course is lower than the level of certificate for the evening diploma course at
the Technical Colleges, which cost 4000 Kyats per month.
The
subjects students can study at the GTI evening course are as follows:
1.
Mechanical Power
2.
Machining Tool
3.
Electrical Power
4.
Electronic and Communication
5.
Civil (More about the Evening Diploma courses below)
**************************
Chapter 10: Diploma
Training Programs
The
evening diploma training programs first appeared in 1997. The authorities
announced at that time that entrance applications for evening diploma training
courses at Technological Universities would be accepted. High School standard
graduates were instructed that in order to apply for the courses, they must
first take an entrance exam. The evening diploma training programs are 2 years
in length, and the subjects of Study are: Civil Engineering, Electrical Power,
Mechanical Power, Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, and English. The Cost
of these courses is 4000 Kyats per month. The cost to receive engineering in
this program is therefore over 80,000 Kyats. Therefore, the only students who
are able to afford these programs are from rich families, usually from the
military circle.
Ordinary
students are simply not able to attend these classes. Currently, 2,500 students
are enrolled for the engineering diploma course at
In
1998, the evening diploma course at
-
A part time 2 year diploma course
-
A full time 1 year computer science diploma course
-
A full time 1 year computer science diploma course for the staff from the
Office of Government Ministries
-
A full time 1 year computer science diploma course for the persons from Defense
Ministry
-
A full time 1 year computer science diploma course for USDA members - A
six-month computer maintenance course for the staff from the Ministry of
Science and Technology
-
A six-month computer maintenance course for the staff from Defense Ministry.
The cost for these
diploma training courses
Type
of diploma course
Term cost per month
Engineering
diploma 2 years 4000 Kyats
Accounting
diploma 6 months 4500 Kyats
Computer
diploma 2 years 10,000 Kyats
Diploma
in Gems 8 months 6000 Kyats
English
Language diploma 4 months 4500 Kyats
Certificate Training
Programs
In
1998, the regime instituted the Certificate Training programs, then claimed that the students were now able to attend
classes. High School standard graduates waiting for University entrance can
join these training courses at different schools across
Subject
Term
Total Cost
English
Language training 2
years 13000 Kyats
Basic
Computer training 6
months 8000 Kyats
Accounting
training 1
year 100,000 Kyats
Training
in Marine Science 1 year 150,000 Kyats
Training
for Domestic Science 6 months 3000 Kyats
Training
for painting 6
months 5000 Kyats
Training
for typing 6
months 4000 Kyats
Bibliography for Part I
(1)
Reports of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions concerning Education
(1999).
(2)
The News Light of
(3)
Education report of the Education Committee of the Committee of Representative
of People Parliament (CRPP), (1999)
(4)
Labor Department and UNICEF report on working Children & Women (1995).
(5)
Basic Education in
(6)
(7)
Annual report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) (1999, 2000)
(8)
Conclusion about the current education situation in
(9)
Oway Journal (1996-97)
(10)
Oway Journal (1958)
************************************************************************
Part II: The army education system in Burma
Chapter 1: Introduction
and Summary
This
report is the 2nd part of the June 2000 Education Report, as documented by the
Foreign Affairs' Committee of All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU). Part One included (10) chapters, which emphasized the civilian
education situation in
There
were some difficulties in obtaining current data about the military
institutions in
However,
despite the paucity of data, it is expected that this report will clearly
demonstrate how the military institutions have risen in influence in
(A) Summary
In
1988, the people of
Since
the beginnings of military rule, the army has sought to promulgate its power
through rewarding those loyal to the military. Military personnel and their
relatives are favored in
Under
the rule of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), several
military institutions were established to further promote this military bias. While
civilian schools deteriorated in lack of educational supplies and resources,
and were closed for several months at a time, the schools training army
personnel remained open and enjoyed adequate resources and supplies. Civilian
students may be accepted into these institutes,
however, the government has created a strict system of application, which
includes a mandatory recommendation from various government officials.
This
system ensures that the applicants, or the applicants' relatives, have had no
history with opposing political parties and no history in other
"crimes". The applicants must also promise not to involve in
politics, and pledge to serve in the army. The military government provides
well for its army students, and provides them with stipends, scholarships, and
for the very elite, chances to study abroad. The opportunities afforded are
minuscule in comparison with world standards, yet many youth in Burma are drawn
into the military circle through these promises of position and chances at power
that are otherwise unattainable in the harsh economic environment of the
country.
The
military regime, under the current pseudonym of the State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) has continued this process of rewarding those loyal to the
regime, and severely punishing those resistant to it, to the severe neglect of
the education system in
(B) Facts and Statistics
about the Burmese Army
Current
Population of the Burmese army:
Over
400,000
Commander-in-Chiefs
of the Burmese Army 1943 - 2000
(1).
Gen. Aung San (1943-1947)
(2).
Gen. Let Kyar (1948-1949)
(3).
Gen. Ne Win (1949-1962)
(4).
Gen. San Yu (1962-1974)
(5).
Gen. Tin Oo(1974-1976)
(6).
Gen. Thuya Kyaw Htin (1976-1985)
(7).
Gen. Saw Maung (1985-1992)
(8).
Senior Gen. Than Shwe (1992- present)
Number
of times the Burmese Army has seized state control: 3 Times in 4 decades: 1958,
1962 and 1988
Designations
of
(I).
The Caretaker Government (1958-1960) led by Gen. Ne Win.
(II).
The Revolutionary Council (1962-1974) led by Gen. Ne Win.
(III).
The Burma Socialist Program Party, BSPP (1974-1988) led by Gen. Ne Win.
(IV).
The State Law and Order Restoration Council, SLORC (1988-1997) led by Gen. Saw
Maung.
(V).
The State Peace and Development Council, SPDC (1997-present) led by Senior Gen.
Than Shwe.
(C) Background
information concerning
The
roots of the modern military establishment in
In
1944 the Anti Fascists People's Freedom League (AFPFL) was established, and the
BDA aligned with
The
new People's Volunteer Organization emerged as the army of the AFPFL, and in
September 1946 a general strike was organized. Aung San was still known at that
time as "Bogyoke" or General, and had already been elevated in the
eyes of his countrymen as the national hero, yet he never related his previous
rank as army general to his new position of civilian leader and politician. In
fact, Aung San repeatedly emphasized that the army's task as an institution was
to protect the nation, but that it should never interfere with the nation's
politics. In speeches to the public, and to the Burmese forces he further
warned that the armed forces must stay clear of state politics, as the army is
unfamiliar with political matters and is ready to use guns and force to solve
any problems that arise. Detached from the military, General Aung San was able
in January 1947 to sign the agreement with
However,
on
By
the end of the 1950's, the rebel threats had been moderately subdued, and the
army had turned its focus to economic affairs, through the Defense Services
Institute, and to the civilian government. The people of
Hence,
in 1958, when the civilian government, led by U Nu, asked the army, headed by
Ne Win, to form a "caretaker" government the army was ready and
didn't hesitate to step into civilian political affairs. This was the first
time the army took over state power in
The
All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) condemned the army's nation-wide
seizure of power. While the political parties, common people and the academics
were silent about the army take-over, the student unions objected. This was the
beginning of the ongoing strife between the military and the student union, for
they feared the students' counter action, and supposed that the students would
challenge their power in future. The military imposed strict regulations on
university life. On
The
military built the socialist system, based upon Ne Win's
In
1974 the Revolutionary Council was changed to the State Council, and a new
constitution was enacted which permitted the BSPP to take over the leadership
of the nation. The visibility of the army was lowered at that time, yet over
80% of the BSPP members were armed forces personnel. By this time the economy
was already in serious decline from mismanagement and incompetence of the
regime, and several laws had been passed which compounded their economic
oppression with expressive repression.
When
the pro-democracy movement emerged and overwhelmed the entire nation in 1988,
the BSPP government whom had been the recipient of the protests responded with
brute force killing thousands of the protesters. Ne Win, who had continued to
rule, was compelled to relinquish his open leadership as a result of the
protests, yet the army remained in a force in the shadows, and prepared for the
opportunity to seize back full state control. Prominent political leaders and
student activists were arrested and attempts to defame their character were made.
The army also tried to instigate trouble by hoarding rice and supplies from the
people, then accusing them of terrorism if the food was stolen back.
The
military, re-established as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)
reclaimed full state power on
Aung
San Suu Kyi was detained under house arrest in 1989, yet the NLD still won the
national elections, which were held on
In
1995 she was released, due in part to international pressure, yet her freedoms
of expression and movement are to this day severely restricted by the regime.
The military regime conceded that one day they will have to transfer power to
the civilian government, yet they insisted that the elected parliament could
not convene, and instead must, under the National Convention, draw the new
Constitution. At the end of 1995, the elected persons of NLD withdrew from the
regime's National Convention, which was attended by military academics and
technicians.
In
1997 the military government changed their name to the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC). The name changed, but the system has not. The
Burmese military regime has strengthened in its confidence that it is
meritorious for themselves and
(D) Background of the
military educated elite in
Similar
to many authoritarian regimes, the military government of
The
policy of promoting people loyal to the military dictatorship is evidenced from
early 1965, when the Chawdwin Gone Civil Servants Training School of the
pre-military U Nu government was transformed into Civil Servants Training
School. This school became a center of forced army training, political
indoctrination, and civil service administration.
In
1977, after the 'Law for Selection of Civil Servants' was passed, the school
was elevated to the status of a college, as the Hpaung Gyi Central Civil
Servants Training College. This institute was compulsory for students wishing
to obtain jobs as civil servants in the high-unemployment economy of the
The
policy of discrimination began at an early age, as a 'Sharp person' exam was
held across the country including children of the 7th standard and up. This
exam was to recruit BSPP party members. If a student passed the exam with high
marks, then that student would receive college stipends, or a scholarship of 75
Kyat per month, as well as other privileges such as being sent to various
recreation sites, such as
However,
students designated as 'sharp persons' were only granted these privileges if
they joined a BSPP youth party. This system continues through the Union Solidarity
Development Association (USDA) a "social organization" sponsored by
the military that students, teachers and the general public are forced to join
in order to obtain privilege in the military society. The presence of the USDA
in civilian public education was covered further in Part One of this report.
Under The SLORC rule, during the 1988-1995 period in
which the military worked to build a modernized army, the military regime
established military institutions; universities, colleges and science institutes
to further promulgate the military mechanism that runs the country. All of the
military institutions were controlled by the Office of Strategic Studies (OSS)
under the ministry of defense.
The
current military government, the SPDC, has been eager to upgrade these military
institutions, and has budgeted for them from the national budget, as well as
the civilian education budget. State scholarships are awarded to intelligentsia
in military society and many children of generals and state servants have
opportunity to travel abroad for further education. The regime has proved that
they are willing to spend the budget necessary to maintain their power, and can
afford to give birth to academics and technicians for the military society, yet
they have been unable to upgrade the standard of the national education system,
or improve the economy. Indeed, they have persecuted and imprisoned students,
party members, and politicians who are not closely connected with their
militant standards.
********************
Chapter 2: Schools
directly controlled by the military regime
" Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of
the entire nation" (One of the four social objectives of the SPDC)
It
can be acknowledged that all schools in
These
schools are:
(1).
Defense Services Institute of Medicine
(2).
Defense Services Institute of Technological
(3).
(4).
Defense Services Institute of Nursing
(A). Defense Services Institute of Medicine
The
Defense Services Institute of Medicine was founded on
Application
to the institute is open to civilian students who have passed the high school
matriculation exam, and who are willing to join the military, yet students who
are related to the military elite are favored above the civilian applicants.
The military regime provides the education at the institute free of charge to
military students who are accepted. Civilian doctors, on the other hand, must
come up with their own money to participate in the program.
Students
who graduate from the Defense Services Institute of Medicine become military
service personnel and earn salary and rank. As doctors, they are able to serve
in the military department as Captains or Majors. Attendance figures are not
clear, as the military regime has yet to publicize information concerning the
number of students who have attended the institute, or who are currently
enrolled.
The
Defense Services Institute of Medicine is amply supplied with lab materials and
modern textbooks, in stark contrast to civilian schools. As intern surgeons,
the military students are required to take a field practical at Military
Hospitals, where they are occasionally able to learn from professional surgeons
from abroad for short-term training. In addition, military students at the
institute are eligible for various state scholarship programs. Remarkably,
during the numerous times that civilian schools of higher learning have been
closed by the regime, including civilian medicine institutes, this Military
Medicine Institute has been consistently open for class. Also notable is the
fact that while the Defense Services Institute of Medicine offers 12 months of
study in an academic year, civilian institutes have been restricted to offer a
mere 5 months of study in an academic year.
(B). Defense Services
Institute of Technology
The
majority of engineers and technicians in
Military
students entering the Institute must have finished 4 years of higher learning;
2 years at an A.G.T.I. school, and 2 years at a technical college. There are
now 2 colleges that fall under the Defense Services Institute of Technology:
the Defense Services College of Technology and the Defense Services for
Technical Science.
Following
2 years of study at the schools of technology, a Bachelor of Technology is
awarded to those who finish this fourth year level with good marks. Upon
completion, military students are easily accepted into the Defense Services
Institute of Technology.
(C).
The
Even
though thousands of students have applied to the DSA, the regime favors for
enrolment those who are offspring of military families and their relatives. For
the 1999-2000 academic year, nearly 4,000 application
forms were received by the army, but they selected only a few hundred students.
The military regimes has never publicized the number of military students in
their educational institutions, however, some students who neglected their applications
to the DSA have reported that the regime allows a mere 200 students for the 4
years of training at DSA.
The
military students who are accepted into the DSA have good health and they and
their families are generally uninvolved in
The
average number of years of study at the DSA is 4 years, during which time the
military students must remain at DSA. However, with permission of the army,
students are occasionally permitted by the army some-time military student to
visit to their family during summer holidays. DSA teaches courses in the Arts
and Sciences, which utilize the teaching methods of lectures and lab practical.
Lab tools and materials are sufficiently provided for, something which cannot
be said for civilian schools.
It
is a requirement at DSA for every military student to take a course in Computer
Science, and the school is equipped with enough computers to provide each
student with a computer to learn on. The military regime also conceived a
Computer Department at the academy for students pursuing a Bachelor of Computer
Science. With the establishment of this department, the regime expects their
students to compete with international hi tech standards, and to upgrade their
ability with special teaching. However, the Internet has yet to be allowed or
taught at the institution. There is a strong emphasis on physical strength and
fitness at DSA, and the regime has provided well for the sports and exercise
equipment, which is used in such classes. These have been instances where the
government has made it possible for students at DSA to learn under trainers
from abroad.
Students
at the DSA are continuously encouraged to protest local opposition forces and
politicians, and to believe in the militarism around the country. The students
are taught that the opposition groups who call for democracy are destructive
elements and therefore must be crushed as common enemies of the Burma Armed
Forces.
(D). Defense Services
Institute of Nursing
The
military regime declared in 1999 its intent to open the Defense Services
Institute of Nursing in the year 2000, and that the purpose of the school will
be to train highly qualified nurses to serve in the military and its related
society. Hence, in 1999, the Military Defense began accepting applications for
the planned institute. The following is the list of qualifications that the
applicants are required to have before acceptance:
(a). Certificate of completion of the high school
matriculation exam and exam results.
(b).
English and Biology proficiency.
(c).
Recommendation from the local Ward Council.
(d).
Recommendation from the Township Police station, citing a lack of criminal
record.
(e).
Recommendation from two military gazette officers.
(f).
A promise not to relate with political parties and never to involve in
political activities. (g). A pledge to serve at least 10 years under the
military government.
The
military has promised to provide its first year nursing students with a 750
Kyats salary, 800 Kyats for its second year students, 900 Kyats for third year
students and 1,000 Kyats for final year students. Upon completion of the
program, nursing students will receive a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B. N.
Sc.), and will be required to serve in the military, or its related circle for
a minimum of 10 years. During that time of service, the military has pledged to
provide 1450 Kyats salary.
************************
Chapter 3: Schools indirectly controlled by the military regime
The
following schools exist under the strict control of the military government,
yet are not given the same official recognition as the military institutions
mentioned in Chapter 2 of this report. Graduates from the following schools
must serve the military regime in government service, as it is their only
option for employment. Academics and educated persons who learn in these
schools are unable to find work unless it is related to the military and its
society. Hence, these schools are indirectly controlled by the military force.
Of the many institutions that fall under this type in
They
are:
(1).
Marine Institute
(2).
Central Institute for Civil Service
(3).
(4).
University for Foreign Language
(5).
The
(6).
Cultural University
(A). Marine Institute
(MI)
The
Marine Institute is situated in
(A).
Recommendation of the Ward Council.
(B).
Recommendation of the Township Police station, concerning a criminal record.
(C).
Recommendation of two military gazette officers.
(D).
An applicant promise not to relate with political parties
and never to involve in political activities.
(E).
A pledge to serve the military government at least 10 years. Students pay the
fees for the training from their own resources, and during the one-year
training term are obligated to comply with military sentiment and regulations.
There are 37 subjects taught at the Institute, fewer than 5 offered majors.
The
5 majors are:
(1)
Training for Commercial Cadet
(2)
Training for Local Cadet
(3)
Training for Mechanical Engineer Cadet
(4)
Training for Coastline Cadet
(5)
Training for Navigable Channel Cadet
Cadets
serve
(B) The Central Institute for Civil Service (CICS)
The
Central Institute for Civil Service was established in January 1965 under the
rule of the Burmese Socialist Program Party (BSPP) military dictatorship. In
1977, the regime upgraded the school to University level from its previous
standing as a training school. The selected Board for Public Service directly
controlled the Central Institute for Civil Service. As of 1997, the regime had
trained a total of 82,020 teachers around the country, and a total of 8805
public servants in various departments of government. The military regime
founded the Central Institute for Civil Service (
Even
though the Central Institute for Civil Service (CICS) has declared its purpose
to be in the education of civil servants, it in fact is a place where students
are trained in all services that promote the military ideology. The current
military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has instructed
the teachers at this institute to control their students through strict rules
and propaganda so that they will believe the military objectives and
principles. The Central Institute for Civil Service has became
a training ground that is dangerous for
The
Central Institute for Civil Service offers 17 training courses. The trainers
for these courses are officers from Office of Strategic Studies (OSS).
Management for People Affairs (MPA), Law and Military Administration officials
supervise all training. The 17 training courses are:
(1).
Basic Service Training.
(2).
Basic Service Training for Intermediate Level.
(3).
Clerk Service Training for Supervisors.
(4).
Basic Clerk Service Training.
(5).
New Police Training.
(6).
Upgrade Course for Police Sergeants.
(7).
Training for Police Officers.
(8).
Training for Basic Policemen.
(9).
General Government Department (Management) Service Level (1) Training.
(10).
Upgrade Training for University and College Teachers.
(11).
Upgrade Training for State, Division, District and Township members of the
Peace and Development Council.
(12).
Upgrade Training for Doctors.
(13).
Upgrade Training for Basic Schoolteachers.
(14).
Upgrade Training for Police Officers.
(15).
Upgrade Training for General Administration Officers.
(16).
Upgrade Training for Red Cross Executive Members.
(17).
Upgrade Training for Municipal Officers. The Central Institute for Civil
Service (CICS) is not a figurehead military school, yet it regularly trains
people for service in the militarized society of
(C).
The
(A).
Basic Account Training.
(B).
Basic Computer Training.
(C).
English.
(D).
Mathematics.
(D). University of
Foreign Languages (UFL)
The
The
subjects were extended later to include Chinese in 1965, English in 1969 and a
Burmese course for foreigners was opened in 1974. Until 1989, only seven
subjects were taught. Before the 1996-97 academic year,
only government civil servants that had graduated from university were allowed
to enroll. They paid monthly fees for the courses, and received a diploma after
finishing the course. After the system and the name were changed in 1996, all
students who passed the high school exam could apply for the school's entrance
exam. The monthly cost increased to 2,500 Kyats per month, and the authorities
opened a two-year full-time course, as well as a part-time 6 months course.
In
the 1996-97 academic year, 1300 students were enrolled
for the regular course and around 500 students were enrolled for the part-time
course. This university was closed along with the other universities and
colleges in December 1996 but permitted to re-open a few months later.
(E). The
The
National Race Development Scientific Institute was founded on
The
military has continued to hold the reins of control at the universities, and
military ideology dominates the school's educational content, although the
university is no longer directly and openly controlled by the government. The
National Race Development University (NRDU) is a vital advocate of the military
society, and is the only university to implement in its policy the SPDC
objectives to be free from political activities and people movements.
NRDU
offers 6 programs of study in accordance to its university rules. They are:
(1).
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
(2).
Master of Philosophy (M. Phi.)
(3).
Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
(4).
One year Training for Middle standard schoolteachers.
(5).
Four years regular training for Basic Standard schoolteachers.
(6)
Special Training for Basic Standard schoolteachers.
The
Foreign Affairs' Committee - All Burma Federation of Student Unions, previously
released information pertaining to the NRDU and the university entrance system
of the military regime. The following information was first released in May
2000.
The
military regime, SPDC, has placed restrictions on university and college level
entrance exams. The
a)
Whether the applicant has ever had contact with any opposition group.
b)
Whether any of the applicant's family members have gone underground or are a
member of an opposition (insurgent group).
c)
Whether the applicant has any criminal record.
d)
Whether the applicant has been involved in politics, or a political party.
e)
Whether the applicant has been involved in the student struggle.
f)
Whether the applicant's character is 'good' or 'bad'.
The
local authorities gather information concerning the above criteria to decide
who can and who cannot take the entrance exam for the teacher-training course.
The Military Medical Institute, the Military Technological Institute, as well
as the Military College of Technology and the
(F). The
Cultural University (CU)
The
In
the 1998-99 academic year, 27 students were enrolled
for the Arts (Music), 48 Students were enrolled for the Arts (Performance), 29
students were enrolled for the Arts (Painting), and 5 students were enrolled
for the Arts (Sculpture). Aside from courses of cultural content, students are
required to study other minor subjects including History, Geography, Biology,
Physics and Chemistry. In addition, every student is required to study Burmese,
English and Mathematics.
At
the CU, students of Music and the Dramatic Arts are denied the chance to study
international music and western plays, according to the prohibitions of the
military regime. The regime has often expressed its fears concerning the
influence of western culture on Burmese culture. The professors, lecturers and
schoolmasters of the university are academics from the elite military society
and military servicemen.
**************************
Chapter 4: Basic
Education for the Burmese Military
Basic
education in
There
are currently 15 basic education army schools run by the military regime. These
schools fall under the control of the Office of the Administration of the
People's Relations and Psychological Campaign, which is under
the Ministry of Defense. The children of military officers and other
government officials have the option of attending civilian state schools or
these army schools. The army provides well for these special military schools,
and the sons and daughters of officials who attend them seldom need worry about
adequacy of educational materials. During summer holidays, the military opens
Computer training, English language training and vacation trips for students of
army families. Upon completion of the high school standard level in these
military schools, students are usually easily accepted into any military
Institute.
The
regime also awards scholarships and scholastic awards to the students of army families
who complete their basic education at the army schools. In the basic education
schools of the army, the regime trains the children of army families to believe
and accept in their minds the supreme role of the military in
***************************************
Chapter 5: The Widening
Gap between Military and Civilian Education
" War can be won only if the warriors are skilled. So
'training' must be given top priority"
This
chapter, which covers more extensively the military of
It
is hoped this chapter will be valuable in deepening understanding of
(A). Military Education
The
emphasis upon military education has been thematic throughout this report.
Here, however, the modernization of the military, stress on military education,
and the military control of public education will be further analyzed,
including several quotes from
The
Burmese army, far from democracy, forgot that originally the desire of the
armed forces had come from the people, that it had been students of civilian
institutions that had formed the army to fight the war of independence. The
regime, through propaganda, consistently attempted to make the people hate
politicians and adore the army. Meanwhile, aided by the long-term closure of
all civilian educational institutions, the regime trained their military
students to run the civilian education system. One third of graduates of
military schools enter civilian universities as lecturers and tutors.
The
regime has divided the education of civilian students and military students,
favoring the education of military and thereby systematically creating a military elite. While the Burmese people suffer for their
children's education and expenses as a result of the economic crisis in every
family, the military's students peacefully learn education with the financial
support of the military regime. Civilian students have therefore become
interested in some military institutes due to the lack of further learning
opportunity in civilian institutions, and the expensive cost of such
institutions. Chances are, the regime has created the
military elite in
The
regime believes and practices according to the motto; "
only if the Armed Forces is strong, will the Nation be strong". It
seems clear that the regime's only desire is to build the military capacity of
the nation, treating the people of
In
a report by the military about their educational training, there are three
aspects to the training of their officers in order for them to join the Burmese
Armed Forces circle.
(1).
Officer training
(2).
Training for other ranks
(3).
Foreign exposure and experience
(1). Officer Training
According
to current surveys, the educational status of military officers is as follows.
61.1
% of the officers (army, navy and air) of the whole Armed Forces were
university graduates in 1997.
A
modernized armed force requires a high standard of science and technology.
Hence for its needs, extensive programs have been drawn up and are being
implemented to recruit officers with secondary education; to give graduate
officers further post graduate training in military technology, medicine,
engineering, computer science, foreign languages and international relations.
Officers
with high potential are also dispatched to attend post-graduate courses in the
(2). Training for other
ranks
According
to the military report, there are many levels of education in the armed forces.
1.39% are university graduates, 4.39% are
undergraduates, 19.59% are high school graduates, 41.48% have completed middle
school and 33.16% have completed elementary school. As there are indispensable
warrant officers, sergeants and corporals in between the officers and the other
ranks, there is a gap between the educational level of the higher and lower
officers. Therefore, the regime opened the Burma Army Training Depot, the
(3). Foreign Exposure
and Experience
As
the regime believes that the high-ranking members of its military forces need
practical experience in Burma as well as abroad, they send the military
officers who have completed the highest levels of military training to Burmese
Embassies in foreign countries. These officers also work jointly with military
forces and missions of other countries in order to gain international
experience. They are given these opportunities to enable them as members of the
Burmese Armed Forces. In addition, they are given opportunities in rotation, to
attend academic and military courses abroad, accompany Burmese delegations, and
attend high-level conferences and seminars as members of military missions and
study groups. The graduate military officers also are given chance to attend
exhibitions and workshops in the region together with other ASEAN (Association
of South East Asia Nations) countries. In addition, when some of the foreign
countries such as
(B) The Modernization of
"Good
ships and good guns are simply good weapons and the best weapons are useless
save in the hand of men who know how to use them"
The
Burmese military regime has continuously sought arms with which to extend their
power and defeat the ethnic minority insurgency groups, giving the reason of
protecting the nation. In addition, the SPDC reasons that spending the national
budget on weapons expansion programs is necessary in order to fully equip their
army as a modern force which can compare with the modern nations of the world.
A report of Colonel Thein Swe, of the Office of Strategic Studies (OSS),
complained that
"The
People's Republic of
Regarding
weapon setup in
(C) Comparison of the
graduate rate between military and civilian students 1997
Status of education
among the population of
Levels Military students Civilian
students
1).
University Graduates 1.39%
0.5%
2).
Undergraduates 4.37%
3)
High school Graduates 19.59%
5.7%
4).
Elementary school Graduates 41.48%
21.9%
5).
Primary level graduates 33.16%
71.9%
Based on a test group of 7,164,106 participants.
The
following conclusion focuses on how the civilian education has been ruined
under the military dictatorship system even as the regime tries to portray to
the international community that they are trying to build civilian education.
The conclusion does not merely represent the views of the All Burma Federation
of Student Unions, but also reflects the real situation and concerns about
********************
Conclusion of the Year
2000 Education Report
In
1962, however,
As
a result of
Also,
the regime has oppressed and crushed students whenever student movements
appear. Burmese students have been forced to enter the working field as school
dropouts due to the economic suffering of
When
the history of
As
The
military regime re-opened universities and colleges in June this year due to
international pressure and local desires, yet they still tightly control the
learning at the schools have yet to improve the
academic situation. The generals addressed academic issues at
a Human Resources and Education Seminar led by the
We,
the All Burma Federation of Student Unions - Foreign Affairs' Committee, are
compelled to inform the military regime that they must resolve and successfully
implement the following terms of our conclusion based upon this, the year 2000
report, in order that the education system of our country be saved.
A.
To release all student prisoners, including Min Ko
Naing, the Chairperson of the ABFSU.
B.
To permit the formation of student unions in
C.
To maintain a regular academic year in all schools.
D.
To allow for the freedom of expression and open discussion of education.
E.
To revoke all military institutions that are unnecessary for military activity
and which only promotes the military elite.
F.
To increase the budget for civilian education and to reduce all military
expenses from the national govern mental budget.
G.
To implement an Education System controlled by students, teachers and the
government alike.
H.
To draw a new education system in accord with the national character, including
modern subjects and modern ideologies with the support of national scholars and
professors.
I.
To solve with peaceful dialogues the demands of the students, instead of a
military response, which violates their rights.
J.
To solve, through dialogue with the democratic forces, all problems which have
caused the national instability, economic disorder and social crisis in
Foreign Affairs'
Committee
All
Year 2000 Education
Report
June 2000
Bibliography for Part II
(1)
'Human Resource Development and
(2)
Various articles, 2000, Myanmar Ministry of Information
(3)
The New Light of Myanmar daily newspaper (1998, 1999,2000)
(4)
Releases of the Foreign Affairs Committee - All
(5)
'Concerning the Current
(6)
'Totalitarianism in
(7)
'
(8)
'The