Education Amidst Conflict: Myanmar's Rebel-Controlled Universities

The establishment of universities in rebel-controlled regions of Myanmar aims to provide education and hope to young people amid the turmoil of civil war, with the hope of fostering a new democratic society.

In the heart of eastern Myanmar's jungles, the pursuit of education continues despite the chaos of civil war. Here, students face not only the terrifying sounds of military jets overhead but also the peril of snakes lurking in their surroundings. A harrowing incident recently described by 21-year-old Khuu Nay Reh Win—who, inspired by the plight of his fellow citizens, turned from rebel army medic to medical student—demonstrates the unique challenges of studying in this environment.

The Karenni Medical College, founded in 2024, serves as a beacon of hope for education in a country where the military coup has upended daily life for millions. Constructed largely from bamboo by its students and instructors, the college is one of 18 educational institutions established in regions controlled by anti-junta forces in the aftermath of the coup. Dr. Myo Khant Ko Ko, the college's president, emphasized that the founding of these colleges stemmed from a commitment to provide continuity in education for the youth, fearing that prolonged educational disruption could derail their futures.

While the colleges grapple with limited resources and basic facilities, they aim to cultivate a cadre of skilled professionals to eventually lead a new democratic society in Myanmar. As the civil conflict continues, which has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, these institutions embody a resilient spirit and a vision for a hopeful future amidst adversity.