In 2012-13, there were just over 50 private schools in Myanmar but in 2016-17 this number has since grown to 585 private schools nationwide. That would mean private schools have been mushrooming at a rate of over a 100 schools each year in the last five years.
In Myanmar, private education is governed by the Private School Registration Act which was adopted on December 2, 2011.
The allure of private schools for parents mainly lies in the fact that there is an unbalanced student teacher ratio in government schools and private schools often have better teaching aids and extra- curricular activities.
Ko Wai Yan Htut said he preferred his sister to attend private school as there were too many children in government schools.
“She won’t be able to concentrate well. Computer, sports and arts are subjects that need more focus,” he added on why their family chose a private school.
Another parent, U Thar Gyi, enrolled his son in the Amae Eain (Mother House) private school because he didn’t have enough time to care for his son due to his career. The other reason is that there isn’t that much difference in school fees.
“If I enroll him in a government school, I must consider the ferry. And tuition fees are at least K150,000. On top of that, guide fees are K30,000 per subject. The amount of guide fees is nearly K200,000 for all subjects. If we add other expenses there isn’t much difference compared to private school fees,” he added.
Although private schools are more expensive compared to government schools there is an assurance of quality and the private schools come with teaching aids.
“The quality of teaching is also different. Private school teachers have better credentials,” said Sayar Soe (Than Zin Baw Ga) who teaches Ecology in Bright Tun private school.
“Classrooms in private schools have air-conditioning but in the government schools, even the fan isn’t constant,” he added.
Daw Thu Thu Mar, secretary member from the National Network for Education Reform said private schools must teach their own curriculum with their own teaching system, but at present private schools usually follow the policy imposed by the government such as curriculum and exam system.
Although the service and quality of the private schools is better than government schools, both these schools do not encourage development and critical thinking enough and focus too much on passing exams and scoring high marks.
However, private schools are becoming a better choice for parents who want to invest in education because of the weakness of the teaching system in government schools.
Other problems with government schools include the lack of facilities like play areas, an overly large number of students per classroom, lack of teachers and a weak teaching faculty in general.
“We must balance policy between government schools and private schools, while simultaneously improving the quality of government schools and at the same time being open to the private sector,” said Daw Thu Thu Mar.
“Currently policies are needed to develop government schools to get quality education because the standard of education in Myanmar is still low compared to other countries,” she added.
Source: Myanmar Times
