EU supports Myanmar Education

1. Read the five multiple choice questions.

2. Identify keywords

3. Think about the differences between the options in each question.

4. Read the article and locate the relevant sentences in the article.

5. Read the relevant sentences carefully and choose an option.

6. When you have finished, enter your answers in the sheet.

a) Because of COVID-19, the EU:

1. has agreed to give further funds to support education

2. has made the grant payment earlier than expected

3. is providing funding for school children with exceptional needs

b) The recent EU grant payment:

1. represents the total allocation of funds from the EU

2. is the last in a series of payments to assist education in Myanmar

3. was preceded by two other funding installments

c) The EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt:

1. is critical about the closure of schools in Myanmar during COVID-19

2. is impressed with the Government's plans for action after COVID-19

3. believes schoolchildren have been disadvantaged by COVID-19

d) After 21 July,

1. many schoolchildren will be studying online

2. the new curriculum will be available to students online

3. teachers will access information about the curriculum online

e) The Ministry of Education:

1. is planning a standardised response to re-opening schools

2. will be treating the re-opening of schools on a case-by-case basis

3. has no plan for the re-opening of schools

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Last week, the European Union (EU) disbursed €37.625 million [59.693 billion MMK] to further support education reform in Myanmar. The grant was paid prematurely to help the Government address the exceptional needs that have arisen due to COVID-19. The money will also help ensure a safe return to school for all children and Government efforts to improve the quality of education and vocational training throughout the country will also continue. This is the third payment from a total of €221 million (MMK 382 billion) provided by the European Union to increase access to quality education for all in Myanmar.

Union Minister for Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi said: “The European Union is a trusted partner. Its support will help us make sure that every child in Myanmar has access to education post COVID-19. At the same time, we will be able to continue our reform and roll out our new curricula.”

"The re-opening of schools has been debated throughout the world. I am encouraged by the Government’s efforts to make schools safe ‘post COVID-19’ for all children in Myanmar, while keeping the pace for the ambitious reform of the education sector,” said EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt. “We need to make sure that children are not left behind during this crisis. Their continued access to education and vocational training will be key to sustainable recovery and to our ability to prevent and better respond to such threats as a global pandemic in the future,” he added.

The Ministry of Education has prepared for the re-opening of schools on 21st of July by planning for additional classrooms, introducing shifts in schools, and procedures for school meals and transport. Teachers will learn the new curriculum online through the Myanmar Education Development Platform. Preparations are also underway to provide tablets to schools and teachers. Importantly, the Ministry of Education will evaluate the situation of each school individually and adapt to local situations.

The disbursement followed an Education Sector Reform Policy Dialogue meeting between the Government and the European Union, in particular on the plans for re-opening schools as well as access to education in Rakhine State and public financial management. Full article: By Mizzima 21 July 2020: http://www.mizzima.com/article/european-union-disburses-59693-billion-mmk-support-education-myanmar

When you are ready, enter your answers in the sheet below.