ASIA/MYANMAR – Amid the tragedy of education denied due to the conflict, a Catholic institute continues its educational work

Yangon – In the context of a civil war that has been raging across the country for five years, nearly five million students have been unable to complete their studies, at all levels of education, between 2021 and 2024. “This is a true tragedy for the country’s education and for the future of our young generations,” stated Joseph Win Hlaing Oo, director of St. Joseph’s Institute, Myanmar’s only private Catholic educational institution. Founded in 2015 and officially recognized as a Catholic institution by the Archdiocese of Yangon in 2021 – with the authority to grant state-recognized degrees – St. Joseph’s Education College has so far formed more than 700 undergraduates and graduates. In recent days, the institute held its fifth graduation ceremony, awarding diplomas and bachelor’s degrees to 30 students who, according to the director, “have persevered in their studies despite the profound challenges facing Myanmar’s education system.” The ceremony, held on January 10 in Yangon, recognized three graduates with bachelor’s degrees and 27 diploma holders.
In his opening address, Joseph Win Hlaing Oo described the achievement as “an act of resilience,” acknowledging that “insecurity and armed conflict have had a drastic impact on both enrollment and the very possibility of continuing studies.” “Some students have had to flee their villages to save their lives; others have died in conflict zones,” he recalled, noting that, under normal circumstances and considering the interest generated by the institute, the graduating class could have exceeded one hundred students. The event was attended by the Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, Noel Saw Naw Aye, who emphasized the unique role as the only private Catholic institution in the country offering undergraduate and graduate degrees programs open to both clergy and laity. “Every baptized person is responsible for proclaiming the Good News,” he affirmed, praising the educational path offered by the institute. The bishop also mentioned that a Buddhist monk had visited and positively assessed the college’s pastoral formation programs, stating that “everything that is good should be encouraged, regardless of religion.” Among the church leaders present, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kengtung, John Saw Yaw Han, highlighted the rare opportunity offered to ordinary people to also engage in the study of theology. “We study many subjects useful for daily life here on earth, but let us not forget that theology prepares us for eternal life,” he noted. Among the graduates, Daw Yar Mee thanked the institute’s staff for ensuring the continuity of learning “despite the distance and the difficulties.” Another graduate, Joseph Myat Soe Latt, recounted his seven-year academic journey, acknowledging that he considered dropping out more than once. However, seeing a 75-year-old man among his classmates—also a graduate today—explained that he found a strong motivation to continue and complete his studies. “The institute aims to offer an education accessible to all and, at the same time, formation in faith. Now you, graduates, are called to put your acquired knowledge into practice and make it bear fruit in your lives: this is your mission,” the director concluded, addressing the students. He urged them not to give up in the face of difficulties and to try to contribute to society—especially to children and young people in need of education—even in the dramatic situation the country is experiencing, torn apart by conflict.

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