Current scene in the Education Sector A. Kyaw Thein30 Nov 2012Opportunities in Burma/Myanmar Briefing

Cautious Optimism Rapid Political & Economic reform Socio-political issuesConflict resolution and protection of human rights.Constitutional reformDemocratic constitutionDecentralized legislation power and Ethnic rights

Obama Speech at Yangon University

Historical Background High literacy rate with 89.9 % of adults and 94.5 % of youth considered literate (UNESCO 2007)Asian ExampleUsed for political objective - foster resistance to encroachments of Western and Asian imperialism 88 student-led demonstration Military regime crashed down EducationSlow and steady decay

Myanmar Education System

Education School LevelGradeAgeYearsPrimaryElementaryEducation1-56-115MiddleIntermediate School6-912-164SecondarySecondary Education10-1217-182TertiaryTertiary- Higher Education2

Over 170 Universities

Main States and Regions Health Medical Dental Public Health Traditional Veterinary Science Technology Engineering Aerospace EngineeringComputer Science Defend Services Academy DefenceTechnology Nursing and ParamedicalReligion Theological Colleges Buddhism Other SpecialisationsEconomics ForestAgricultureEducation College Foreign language

Ministry of Education Department of Higher EducationDepartment of Basic Education Department of Myanmar Language Commission Department of Myanmar Board of ExaminationsMyanmar Educational Research Bureau (MERB)

Key Issues in Education SectorHighly central control and complex management under Different MinistriesLack of coordination across the sectors among Universities between Basic and Higher Outdated policy and resources Lack of teaching and learning resources library Lack of an adequate budget increase to 4 % though limited reach and access Gender disparityCapacity and other technical issues competencyExams- based, Class room-based

Activities Highlights Policy advocacy workParliament Civil Society actors Donors efforts Research Child Centred EducationUnicef, JICA, Pyoe Pin, etcNetworking and Clusters English Language and other capacity BuildingBritish Council, Unicef, etc.Ethnic language policy work MediaComprehensive Education Sector Review

Opportunities Increased budget from 1% to 4 %Parliament Institutions - rejected Higher Education Bill in Aug 2012Individuals - Aung San Suu Kyi and most MPs National priority interest EFA Goal Coordination mechanism Government, Donors, Civil Society- Parliament Research interests Myanmar Research Development Institute (MRDIOther sectorial research networks U Myint (President Economics Policy Advisor) Comprehensive Education Sector Review

It is in education in particular that I hope the British can play a major role. We need short-term results, so that our people may see that democratisation has a tangible, positive impact on their lives Vocational training and creation of employment opportunities to help address Burma s chronic youth unemployment are particularly important

Access and freedomSuch a system was not suitable for a democratic country and called for independence to be enshrined in Burmas higher education institutes

University is a place where students should have freedom to create their dreams and speak out about what they believe too many young people did not get the chance to study

Aung San Suu Kyu

Draft New Bill

The new draft that we are going to write will be similar to the education system in 1920, which was used at Rangoon University. We may have a good education system after review and development from the current draft, Ba Shein Member of Parliamnet

Inclusive policy reform Teachers and education experts must be involved in the drafting processThein Nyunt, Member of Parliament

Independent Education SystemEducation system there must be autonomy at universities with the right for each to make their own decisions. The government should only establish one national policy without controlling individual universities

Kyaw Zaw Naing.

Creative ThinkingThe current system is failing because so many schools have been shut down students must not just be forced to read but instead encouraged to develop cognitive and creative skillsMyint Myint Khin, former professor Rangoon Medical School

Comprehensive Education Sector Review (CESR)

Task Promotes a learning society capable of facing the challenges of the Knowledge Age Help build a modern developed nation through education Objectives Develop a knowledge-base and identify areas for reform;Support evidence-based policies, legislation and education sector improvementsDevelop costed education sector plans

Phases of the CESR

Phase 1: Rapid Assessment: (6 months)Identify urgent priorities and reform issues Knowledge gaps for second stage.By early 2013Phase 2: In-depth Analysis: (1 year)In-depth sector analysis -investigations and capacity buildingBy December 2013Phase 3: Development of Education Sector Plan: (6 months)Education sector plan (mid 2014). Initial two year plan (2014-2016) Five year plan (2016-2021)

Assessment Phase 1: FocusBasic EducationEarly childhoodPrimary educationSecondary educationNon-formal educationTeacher educationPolicy, legislation and management -Higher EducationFinancingCoordination mechanismsTextbook

Management System of CESRCESR Steering CommitteePatron: Union Minister for EducationChair:Deputy Union Minister for EducationCESR Task ForceChair:Deputy Union Minister for EducationSecretary:Director GeneralJoint Education Sector Working Group (JESWG)Chair:Director GeneralCo Chair:UNICEF, AusAIDCESR OfficeChief Technical AdvisorInternational CoordinatorNational CoordinatorTask ManagersDevelopment Partner Coordination MechanismTechnical TeamsInternational ConsultantsNational ConsultantsFocal Persons

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