Challenges and Opportunities for Educational Reform: Under the New Myanmar Government

Abstract

The newly elected NLD Government has taken power since April 2016. According to the 2008 Constitution, NLD could not form the entire cabinet but shares three ministries with the army. Besides, 25% of the seats are occupied by the army in the parliament. The ministry of education is headed by new minister, who is former Director General of the previous U Thein Sein Government. Within eight months of the new government, there is no remarkable change in education. However, civil society education organizations are promoting education reform focusing on decentralization, academic freedom and language rights. Indigenous minority groups are also calling for self-determination and autonomy in education. Non-state education groups have been preparing public education policies to submit to the Union Peace Conference. In light of political developments aiming at formation of the democratic federal union of Myanmar, the paper discusses challenges and opportunities for educational reform.