The Ministry of Education has spent over Ks16 billion on Covid-19 preventive and control measures at basic education schools that reopened across Myanmar in the 2020-2021 academic year, Union Minister Dr Myo Thein Gyi said. 

“The Ministry of Health and Sports donated 5,000 reusable masks, face shields, infrared thermometers and hand speakers. The Basic Education Department distributed 1,131 pieces to the schools. We have spent Ks16.752 billion,” the minister said. 

With foreign help, the ministry drafted Covid-19 Response and Recovery Plan for the Education Sector. The Global Partnership for Education provided US$11 million for Covid-19 Affected Township and Nationwide Program while the EU budget provided €37.625 million, he added. 

“As we face the Covid-19 crisis this year, people will have financial problems. Normally, one dozen exercise books are provided for a primary student. This year, we provide a dozen exercise books plus four pencils. Normally, exercise books are not given to middle and high school students. But this year, we provide them with a dozen exercise books, two pencils and two pens. To provide Ks22.189 billion, the Higher Education Department and other departments are undergoing scrutiny. After spending, surplus will be paid back to GRF according to the procedures,” the union minister said. 

Ks9.494 is earmarked to be spent on buying 47,472 mobile tablets (one for each school) for online training and ICT education at schools in various regions and states, He added. 

There are over 7,173 high schools across Myanmar including private schools and monastic education schools, and 5,700 with A level for criteria for Covid-19 prevention have reopened.