In Karen State Burma, an ethnic minority state, education is an extremely valued but seemingly almost unreachable goal. With over 60 years of continuous conflict with the Burmese military, the Karen people have not only suffered the loss of tens of thousands of people, but also the diminishment of their social and educational structures. Though they have retained certain aspects of their education departments and are currently reorganizing curriculum and reestablishing the education system, their schools are still without basic needs.
Bringing grid power to remote locations where there is a lack of suitable roads and abundant landmines is hardly an option. Solar power and micro-hydro power are the most appropriate and effective methods of energy access in the region. This is why Track my Electricity™ is working with Solabkken to provide solar power for four schools with more than 600 students inside Karen state.
The benefits from having electricity at schools goes beyond just lighting to study by at night. It provides a safe environment for community meetings, allows for night classes for adults who have to work during the day, and enables modern teaching technologies to enter the classroom.
The education of current and future generations is an imperative step for the Karen people to understand their human rights, communicate their concerns appropriately, and establish lasting peace. It is therefore necessary that their schools have the basic needs and abilities of a modern school in order to foster an education that can lead to a positive change in the individual, community, and state.
