IN the 2025-2026 academic year, a total of 36 candidates from Insein Central Prison in Yangon Region — 33 male inmates and three female inmates — sat for the matriculation examination. All 36 candidates passed, achieving a 100 per cent pass rate. Among them, one student earned distinctions in three subjects, one earned distinctions in two subjects, five earned distinctions in one subject, and 29 passed without distinctions, making the achievement a complete success. Although the number of candidates was more than half that of last year, the remarkable success was made possible through the dedication of responsible officials, the loving care and guidance of teachers, and the determination of these young people, who, despite having lost their way in life, managed to find a new path. Their achievement marks a turning point in their lives, and the following are their heartfelt reflections and expressions of joy.
U Ye Ko Ko Zaw (staff officer of Insein Central Prison)
One of the initiatives undertaken by Insein Central Prison to create opportunities for young people’s future is to ensure that inmates who were students can continue their education. This programme has been implemented under the guidance of the authorities. From the 2021-2022 to the 2025-2026 academic years, the prison has maintained a 100 per cent pass rate for five consecutive years, with students also achieving distinctions. In the 2026 matriculation examination, all 36 candidates — 33 male and three female inmates — passed successfully. Among them, one student received distinctions in three subjects, one in two subjects, and five in one subject. We prioritize the education sector, as many of these young people were in prison for various reasons and were unable to continue their education outside, and to ensure that their future is not lost and that they can contribute to the nation after their release.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, we coordinated with teachers from the Department of Basic Education and worked together with inmate teachers at Insein Central Prison. Students were taught systematically according to the official curriculum. As the examination approached, we also paid close attention to students’ health and nutrition.
Achieving five consecutive years without a single failure is the result of the goodwill of authorities, the close supervision of the Yangon Region Prison Department, the dedication of prison officers and staff, and the collective commitment to ensuring that every young person’s future blossoms. We are sincerely delighted that every student passed the examination. We will continue to work hard to achieve similar success in the 2027 matriculation examination.
Maung Kyaw Min Khant (Three-distinction winner) (24 years old)
I received distinctions in Geography, History, and Economies. Although we are serving prison sentences, we were given the opportunity to continue our education. On behalf of all the students, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and respect to the Head of State, the ministers, all officials at Insein Central Prison, our teachers, and the inmate teachers who taught us. To achieve this success, I studied for about seven hours a day in addition to attending about nine hours of classes.
I would like to tell young people outside that time is extremely valuable. Time and parents are things that can never be replaced. We only realized this after coming here and deeply regretted our past. We are sincerely grateful to the government for allowing us to study and to move from darkness into the light. Education is a light. I now have clear goals for my future. I want to become an economist, and I will continue striving toward that dream.
Maung Thet Phyo Naung (Two-distinction winner) (24 years old)
I earned distinctions in Geography and Economics. Our classes were from 8 am to noon and continued again from 1 pm to 4 pm. After returning to our dormitories, we studied from 6 pm to 8 pm, again from 9 pm to 11 pm, and once more from 6 am to 7 am. I wanted to pass the examination and fulfil my ambitions. So, I studied lessons while walking and studied late into the night while others were sleeping.
I would like to thank my father and mother for my success. I also sincerely thank the authorities who allowed us to study, as well as all the prison officials and teachers.
I encourage young people to set clear goals. Decide what you want to become. When you have a goal, success becomes possible. I lost my sense of direction in life, which led me here. But thanks to the guidance of my teachers, I found my purpose again and was given another opportunity. Now that I can continue pursuing my dreams, I cannot express how happy I feel. I also thank the Prison Department for guiding young people back onto the right path. I want to encourage all young people to find their purpose and work hard to achieve it. Success is within reach. My dream is to become a good leader for my country.
Ma May Myat Thinzar Kyaw (22 years old)
I am so happy to have passed the matriculation examination while serving my sentence at Insein Central Prison. I would like to respectfully thank the prison governor, prison officers, and all my teachers. Taking the examination here is much more difficult than taking it outside. Success only comes through perseverance and hard work.
With the support of my teachers and parents, I was able to pass the examination. Even in the worst circumstances, it is important to strive for the best. Outside prison, students have many choices for education, although private schools can be expensive. Here, despite the hardships, we succeeded because we set goals and worked hard. Our success did not come easily. The youths outside should strive for their goals and never stop pursuing their dreams. Once I leave prison, I intend to continue my university education and build a better future with renewed determination.
Ma May Zin Su Myat (21 years old)
While preparing for the examination, I gradually realized what I wanted to do with my future. As my dream became clearer, I became even more motivated to study. When I first came here, I thought that, as a young person, my life was already over. But after being allowed to continue my education, I regained my motivation. I sincerely thank all the officials of the Prison Department, who encouraged us to focus entirely on passing the examination throughout the year and relieved us of other duties so that we could devote ourselves to our education. I also appreciate their support in providing all the learning materials we needed. Now that we have achieved success, I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped us in a difficult situation.
I also thank them for organizing daily, weekly, and monthly tests and for providing additional guidance to students who needed extra help. When I receive my mark, I will plan to decide my next steps based on my scores. If my marks are sufficient, I hope to enrol at the National University of Arts and Culture and later specialize in Fine Arts. I would like to build a peaceful career in the field of art. On behalf of all 36 students, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Prison Department, Basic Education Middle School No 13 (branch), and Insein Central Prison for giving us the opportunity to continue our education.
Translated by KTZH
