Kachin State Students Struggle with Textbook Shortage as Schools Reopen

Pajau Media

June 18, 2025

Although all basic education schools in Kachin State have officially reopened, most students are facing difficulties in their studies due to a shortage of printed school textbooks, according to students.

“Apart from the school reopening as usual, not every student has received the printed textbooks yet. In each classroom, only a few students have the printed books. Every day, we have to share and look at the books together. The school said they would distribute them, but they haven’t done so yet. It’s also difficult to buy them outside because of transportation issues. For now, we’re just learning with secondhand books passed down from others,” said one student.

According to the students, unlike previous years, this year there is an insufficient supply of printed school textbooks. Due to transportation difficulties, it is also hard to buy books from outside shops, and some students have to rely on secondhand books. As a result, students have to share and study together, which causes difficulties in their learning.

“In our class, only about four or five students have books. We have to share and study together, which is not convenient. The books are not available in outside shops either. Since the school hasn’t distributed them, we’re really struggling,” said a high school student.

The government announced starting from the 2023-2024 academic year that all printed textbooks distributed by the school, from primary to high school, must be returned after the exams. However, even after 10 days since the schools reopened this year, the books have not yet been distributed.

Furthermore, in Myitkyina city, the price of printed textbooks for middle and high school levels in outside bookshops ranges from 25,000 to 45,000 kyats. Due to transportation difficulties, books are scarce and students have to buy them at high prices. Nevertheless, most students still have not received the printed textbooks.

Similarly, starting from June 16, the second round of the G-12 matriculation exam is being held in Kachin State. However, due to the ongoing military and political situation in the state, only about two-thirds of the students are attending the exam.

News – Hpring