IDP children in Arakan State struggle to access education amid rising costs

By Admin 08 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

8 May 2026, Kyauktaw

Displaced people in Arakan State are calling for urgent support as livelihood hardships and limited income make it increasingly difficult to fund their children’s education.

Rising textbook prices have led to a growing number of school dropouts in displacement camps, raising concerns about the future of education in the region.

Families who cannot afford basic schooling costs are appealing for donations of textbooks and essential supplies.

Daw Than Aye, a displaced woman living at a camp near a railway station in Kyauktaw, said her family is struggling to cover daily expenses alongside education costs.

“We earn about K20,000 a day, which must cover school expenses, healthcare and food. Last year, a set of Grade 11 textbooks cost over K100,000, while Grade 5 books were around K80,000. School fees were about K20,000. I cannot afford tuition. Altogether, the cost exceeded K100,000. This year, I simply cannot manage it,” she said.

With her family relying on a single income from her husband, the children have been forced to stop attending tuition classes and now only attend regular school.

Parents in displacement camps are also requesting support in the form of stationery and essential items such as school bags, umbrellas and raincoats.

Another displaced mother expressed concern about the long-term impact on children who are forced to leave school.

“When we lived in Sittwe, my son won awards every year. He is very bright. I want to support his education, especially this year, but I am afraid he will fall behind. Even if we do not receive food aid, support for education would mean so much. In times like this, education is our only hope,” said Daw Ma San Kyaw, who is currently sheltering in Kyauktaw.

There is also an urgent need for schools to be built within displacement camps. Due to the risk of airstrikes, parents want learning centres located nearby so they can quickly reach their children during emergencies.

Daw Than Than Soe said children face daily fear when attending school.

“When planes fly overhead, parents have to run to pick up their children. Some are too afraid to go to school, and others return home crying. If a school is built nearby, parents will feel safer because we can reach our children immediately if something happens,” she said.

The regime’s airstrikes targeting schools, hospitals, religious buildings and civilian areas have caused widespread psychological distress among communities in Arakan State.

Although many schools that closed following fighting in November 2023 have reopened this year, displaced students continue to face major barriers due to financial hardship and insecurity.