A total of 109 private schools have been approved to operate across eight districts in Southern Shan State, according to the Shan State Education Office.
The approved areas include Taunggyi, Loilen, Linkhe, Kalaw, Mong Hsu, Namhsan, as well as the Pa-O Self-Administrative Zone and the Danu Self- Administrative Zone.
Last year, there were 96 private schools in the region. After three schools were closed, the total fell to 93. This year, 16 new private schools have been approved, bringing the total number to 109.
The newly approved schools are located these areas as follows; Taunggyi – 6 schools, Kalaw – 2 schools, Konhein – 1 school, Hsihseng – 1 school, Nyaung Shwe – 1 school, Namhsan – 3 schools, Pin Laung – 1 school and Hopong – 1 school. Of the 16 newly approved schools, 12 are primary schools and four are high schools.
Taunggyi Township has the largest number of private schools in Southern Shan State. The township previously had 45 private schools, but two schools—Aung Myay Thit School and Aung Brother—were ordered to close for failing to comply with regulatory requirements, reducing the number to 43. With the addition of six newly approved schools, the total has now increased to 49, according to the Taunggyi Township Education Office.
An official from the Shan State Education Office said that authorities continue to conduct regular inspections to ensure that private schools comply with the required standards and regulations.
