Education Amidst Chaos: Rebel-Controlled Universities in Myanmar's Civil War

Despite the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, anti-junta forces have established several universities and colleges in rebel-held areas, aiming to provide educational opportunities and foster a new democratic society, with students facing unique and dangerous challenges.

As Myanmar continues to grapple with the fallout of the military coup that ousted its civilian government in 2021, the country is turning its attention to the resilient spirit of students and educators forging ahead amidst conflict. The Karenni Medical College is one such institution located in a territory controlled by anti-junta forces, built by the very professors and students it serves, reflecting a commitment to education even in the face of violence.

Khuu Nay Reh Win, a 21-year-old medical student, epitomizes the challenges faced by learners in this environment. While taking a shower near his jungle dormitory, the roar of military jets sent him racing for safety, only to confront another threat – a venomous snake. “The fear of dying from a snakebite is as real as the fear of bombs,” he noted. Inspired to pursue a career in surgery after serving as a rebel medic, he and others in his institution represent a burgeoning hope for Myanmar’s future.

Within two years, rebel forces in various regions have established 18 institutions of higher education as part of their struggle for a federal democracy. Despite limited resources and rudimentary facilities comprised mostly of thatched bamboo, these colleges strive to ensure that the disruption caused by war does not sever young people's access to education. “We opened without waiting for the revolution to end because we were concerned that if young people were cut off from education for too long, they might change paths,” explained Dr. Myo Khant Ko Ko, founder of Karenni Medical College.

The war has had devastating effects - thousands of civilians have been killed, a significant portion of the population has been imprisoned, and millions are displaced within their own country. While Myanmar's economy crumbles, the establishment of these educational institutions reflects an unyielding belief in the potential for recovery and the importance of nurturing future generations dedicated to the ideals of democracy. In the face of adversity, a new chapter is being written in Myanmar, one that intertwines education with the quest for freedom and justice.