DEPUTY Minister for Information U Ye Tint visited the Information and Public Relations Department offices in Singaing Township, Kyaukse District, Kyaukpadaung Township and Chauk Township on 17 August. He inspected the offices and libraries, met with staff, and gave necessary instructions.
Yesterday morning, he arrived at Basic Education High School No (2) in Chauk and observed the teaching and learning of students. He met with teachers and students in the school hall and gave instructions on educational development and youth affairs.
The meeting was attended by the District Education Officer and Township Education Officers, the principal of Government Technical Institute (Chauk), headmasters and headmistresses of basic schools in Chauk, teachers, outstanding students, parents, and students.
In his address, the Deputy Minister stressed that education is vital not only for individuals but also for society and national development. A nation with a large number of uneducated or poorly educated people would lag and be unable to compete internationally. Only with a knowledgeable and skilled population can stability, peace, and progress be achieved.
Based on population census data, although few people have never attended school in Myanmar, about 50 per cent of the population have completed only kindergarten and primary levels. Furthermore, due to various reasons, some students drop out during middle and high school, resulting in a low number of degree holders.
As this is a matter of long-term national concern, the Head of State has guided that only when there is an educated population can the future of the nation be secured. Therefore, it is necessary to nurture human resources through education, reopen schools closed due to unrest and various difficulties, ensure that all school-aged children can attend school, reduce dropout rates, improve transition rates, and make KG+9 compulsory for all. Students should not be content merely with literacy or passing classes but should strive for critical thinking, broad knowledge, the ability to distinguish right from wrong, and innovation.
He further urged that students should cultivate good morals and discipline from a young age, live healthily and strongly and enrich their lives physically and mentally. Following the saying in Myanmar literature, they should read widely to become virtuous and able to contribute to their communities, regions, the nation and its people. Quoting the Head of State, he reminded that “an illiterate person is like one who sits still, while a literate person who does not read is like one who stands still. Only those who both read and learn continually are truly moving forward in life.” He encouraged constant reading and lifelong learning to improve life.
He urged students to respect the guidance of parents and teachers, and by fulfilling their duties as sons and daughters and as pupils, to grow into healthy, successful individuals and become valuable citizens of the nation.
Afterwards, he handed over books donated by the Ministry of Information for the school library and sports equipment provided by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. These were accepted by the school headmistress and the District Education Officer, while the Township Education Officer expressed words of thanks. The deputy minister then cordially greeted teachers, parents, students and outstanding youths.
In the afternoon, the deputy minister met with staff of the Information and Public Relations Department in Yenangyoung Township, Magway District, Minbu District, and Myothit Township. He urged them to uphold civil service ethics and discipline, work diligently, continue youth knowledge-sharing activities with momentum, and actively participate in the successful holding of the upcoming multi-party democratic general elections. He also addressed staff welfare issues and coordinated matters raised by employees. — MNA/MKKS
