2026 International Literacy Day ceremony held in Taunggyi City

It is known that the 2026 International Literacy Day ceremony was held on the morning of September 8th at the Taunggyi City Hall. The ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of Shan State, members of the government, and responsible officials from relevant departments. At the ceremony, Shan State Chief Minister U Sai Htin So stated that the basic literacy improvement activities based in Shan State (South) are being implemented at a rapid pace, and that under the leadership and guidance of the Shan State government, basic literacy improvement activities have been carried out in cooperation with the Department of Non-Formal and Lifelong Education and the State Education Office. For children who dropped out of school before completing primary education, the "Non-Formal Primary Education" (NFPE) program has been established, and upon successful completion of Level-1 and Level-2, they can continue to Grade-6 of basic middle school education, or to Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3 of non-formal middle school education. Upon successful completion of these levels, arrangements are being made to allow them to continue their studies up to Grade-10, Grade-11, and Grade-12 of basic high school education, the Shan State Chief Minister said. He further stated that non-formal education activities are being implemented for the literacy of all people, and additionally, a special program for the placement of non-formal education classes for out-of-school children aged 10 to 16 who are out of school for various reasons, and for over-aged children aged 14 to 21, the Placement Test was conducted in the 2026-2027 academic year. The Placement Test program was taken on August 9, 2026, and the results were announced on August 27, 2026, with a total of 16 successful candidates in Shan State (South). At the non-formal education centers, 110 students are attending and learning at the Loylong Center in Taunggyi Township, 113 students at the Nandawun Center in Nyaungshwe Township, 41 students at the Sithagu Kambawza Education Center in Kalaw Township, 222 students at the Phalaimainpyin Center in Hopone Township, 66 students at the Naungtaung nunnery center, 94 students at the AMAK (Naunghu) Nature Resort Center in Loilin Township, and 163 students at the Naungayel Center in Seikkyi Township. For out-of-school children, in addition to the non-formal primary education and non-formal middle school education programs, a basic literacy improvement program is being implemented for those aged 15 and above. Furthermore, the regional and state governments are also cooperating and assisting in continuous education activities, including skills and vocational education for increasing income and improving reading speed, the Shan State Chief Minister said. Through the literacy movement, which is the foundation of education, it is necessary for everyone to strive together to create good opportunities such as poverty reduction, employment opportunities, increased health awareness for mothers and children, continuous acquisition of modern technologies, and the ability to innovate, and to earnestly undertake the task of universal literacy as a national duty, said Shan State Chief Minister U Sai Htin So.