EDU-MM · Implications and prospects of non-state post-secondary education initiatives in post-2021-coup Myanmar

Myanmar, a diverse Southeast Asian nation with numerous ethnic and religious groups, faces socio-political conflicts that significantly affect its socio-economic development, neighboring countries, and the international community. The 2021 coup further impaired all sectors of its system, including education, resulting in millions of children being deprived of access to formal education. Various non-state educational services have emerged to address these gaps and provide alternatives to the junta's system; however, they face challenges in securing recognized qualifications and further learning opportunities for their students. Post-secondary non-state education initiatives are crucial for further learning opportunities for these non-state students who would serve as the change agents for the resilience of the socio-economic well-being of the country. This study, applying convenience sampling and case studies, aims to investigate the typology, challenges, coping strategies, and implications of these non-state post-secondary initiatives in post-2021-coup Myanmar. The study will employ principles of analytic eclecticism, which allows integration of diverse theoretical and academic perspectives to address real-world complexities. This study will be the first of its kind which explores the implications of these initiatives not only in the ethnic minority areas but also in the whole country, including the Bamar-dominated areas. Continuous monitoring and analysis are essential for regional and international stakeholders to comprehend the trajectory of the conflict in Myanmar. The findings from this research will elucidate the education landscape in Myanmar and broader theoretical concepts such as human rights, social agency theory, social mobility, structuralism, institutionalism and conflict studies. It will provide evidence-based policy recommendations for the participating organizations, local and national authorities, and international donors.