The Importance of Education

The proudest father I have ever met - standing with his daughter and her two "first-in-class" school certificates!

We visited the house of the manager of our hotel.  He proudly brought out his 11 year old daughter who timidly practiced her English, and he pointed out all of his daughter’s education first place certificates that were proudly displayed in the living room.  I took a picture of the two of them next to some of these certificates, and looking at it now, it just reminds me of how proud of a father he is.  I thought he was being overly boastful of his daughter, but what I quickly learned is that every family proudly displayed education and academic certificates in the middle of their living rooms.  Some families had entire walls covered with diploma-holding, cap and gown wearing brothers, mothers, daughters…

What I have learned from my research, is that contrary to popular assumption, the people here in Ngwe Saung are well aware of the importance of education and are sacrificing a lot in order to provide schooling fees, uniforms, books, and tuition – which is essentially intensive (and expensive!) tutoring for their children.  When we ask, “What do you want your son/daughter to be when they grow up?” every parent excitedly says, “Doctor or high government official.”

Two extremely loving and supportive parents with their young son

Some parents had sent their children off to live with their teachers (since ages 4-5!) in order for them to get a better education.  Others had sent their sons and daughters to live with their grandparents in Yangon so that they could get the coveted city education that every family hopes for.  Parents were working hard to provide a better future for their children, and were well aware of the impact of education.  I am not sure their children are aware of how hard they work and how much they sacrifice for an education, but it was humbling to see such devoted parents working to make a difference in their children’s lives.