Over 3,000 Students Lose Access to Education as 68 Schools Fail to Open in Ayeyarwady Region

NARINJARA, May 31, 2026

Intense fighting and the threat of military attacks have prevented 68 schools from opening across several townships in the Ayeyarwady Region.

As a result, more than 3,000 students are being stripped of their right to education, according to reports from the Pathein Special News Force.

Local residents stated that school closures are a direct consequence of indiscriminate airstrikes and heavy artillery shelling by the military junta.

A local resident said, "The military junta is venting its frustration over losing territorial control by launching airstrikes on innocent civilians and firing heavy weapons indiscriminately to terrify them. As a result, children cannot attend school, and the country's future is being destroyed."

Out of 177 basic education schools in Laymyethna Township (Hinthada District, Ayeyarwady Region), 68 schools in unstable areas cannot reopen for the 2026–2027 academic year.

These closures affect numerous villages, including Sein Kwin, Taw Ywa, San Kone, Sue Htoe Kwin, Ma Gyi Pin Kwin, Kyauk Sa Yit Kone, Phayar Kone Ywa, Pan Taw Gyi, Chin Kone, Yay Thoe Chaung Ywa, Nyaung Chay Htauk Ywa, Chate Kwin, Auk Su Ywa, Pan Tin Ywa, Chin Lel Ywa, Lel Khon Gyi, and Nat Ta Min Kone.

Despite the military regime's propaganda claiming its territories are peaceful and schools are reopening, many classrooms remain closed due to the threat of junta airstrikes and indiscriminate artillery shelling.

Consequently, some students have relocated to safer areas to continue their education. However, due to various systemic and safety barriers, between 2,500 and 3,200 children remain entirely unable to enroll in school.

Meanwhile, a military source told Narinjara News that while the Arakha Army (AA) and allied revolutionary forces have not yet captured major towns in the Ayeyarwady Region, they have seized numerous villages across several townships.

The resistance forces now control approximately one-third of the Ayeyarwady Region's total land area.

Revolutionary forces have captured and now control numerous villages within the Laymyethna, Yegyi, Thabaung, and Ingapu townships, particularly along the Pathein-Monywa Road.

The controlled areas are mostly villages located west of the highway. One-third of the region's territory has now fallen into the hands of the revolutionary forces. Intense fighting is also ongoing in Yegyi, and the status of the 344th Artillery Operations Command is no longer certain.

Due to the threat of airstrikes by the junta military, thousands of schools have been forced to close in Ayeyarwady Region as well as in other conflict-affected areas including Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Sagaing, Magway, and Karen states. As a result, hundreds of thousands of students are losing their right to education.

The Special Intelligence Force - Pathein reported that the military junta's actions have caused nationwide instability and violent shootings.

The education community reviews and states that numerous children are losing their education opportunities, creating a massive loss for the country's future generations.