CNI News
1 July 2026
Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that the Military and Myanmar Police Force members, who are performing national defense and security duties, must cooperate with administrative officials to carry out security operations so that all schools can be reopened.
He made the remarks on June 29, 2026, during a meeting with regional and state chief ministers, including the Chairman of the Naypyitaw Council.
President U Min Aung Hlaing added that efforts must be made to reopen basic education schools that are capable of operating among those currently unable to open due to various reasons, noting that some schools remain closed because of threats to education.
Regarding the move to reopen schools under secured security measures, political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that if this could be achieved across all schools, it would be much better for the future education of the country.
Authorities reviewing conditions for the reopening of schools.
He said, "It is welcoming news that schools closed due to security reasons will be systematically secured and reopened. To what extent can security be provided to reopen them? It would be best if all of them could open, because this is about education. Since it concerns education, it is not ideal for children to be away from learning for one or two years. Once they are away from school for that long, they lose interest in learning. Given that this is the nature of children’s minds, I worry they will become completely estranged from their studies. It is good if all schools can open—as many as possible. For the future of the country, children must be educated. We should be grateful for these efforts."
Military and political analysts pointed out that although the state is working to secure and reopen all schools, this will only be feasible in areas under the control of the Myanmar Military, and will not be practical in territories controlled by ethnic armed groups.
Sai Tun Lin, a Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Mawkmai Township, told CNI News that it would not be easy in northern Shan State townships like Hsenwi, Kutkai, Namhkam, and Nawnghkio, as these areas are controlled by the Kokang army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang army (TNLA).
A school building seen in Myanmar.
He said, "This won't be feasible in northern Shan State. For example, places like Hsenwi and Kutkai are administered by the MNDAA; they are not under the control of the Military. Similarly, Namhkam is controlled by the TNLA. Therefore, I don’t think doing this with such security measures will work at all. It won't be easy in northern Shan State. I see that this matter will only be practical in territories controlled by the Military."
According to a survey by ISP Myanmar, due to the political transition in 2021, armed conflicts, and economic crises, over 6.3 million children have lost their right to basic education and are currently away from school grounds at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.
Census data shows that while there are around 13 million school-aged children, school enrollment for the current academic year stands at only 6.7 million, meaning that over 6.3 million school-aged children are missing out on educational opportunities.
