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- State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Tajikistan
- The whole education system becomes more flexible and open, with learners being given more chance and more choice
- Athletes exhorted to energetically and enthusiastically enter events to rebound to the honour of the nation
- Myanmar building genuine and durable democratic system in own way Minister U Win Aung gives statement at UN Millennium Summit
- Minister meets Australian Ambassador
- Myanmar Food and Drug Authority holds Meeting
- Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium 3 to 10 October
- International Literacy Day Paper Reading Session held
- 1.67 kilos of opium oil cakes seized in Lashio
- Thirteen Ngazun Township NLD members resign of own accord
(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to TajikistanYANGON, 9 Sept-Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Imomali Rakhmonov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Tajikistan which falls on 9 September 2000.
(2) The whole education system becomes more flexible and open, with learners being given more chance and more choice
15 foreign nationals in collusion with NLD leaders and some youths held trumped up discussion on education at NLD Headquarters on 21-8-2000, videotaped and distributed to other countries to jeopardise the present peaceful pursuit of education
YANGON, 8 Sept-A ceremony to mark the year 2000 International Literacy Day was held at the Theatre of Myanmar Education Research Bureau on Pyay Road this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Chairman of education for All Central Coordinating Committee Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, members of Education for All Central Coordinating Committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department concerned and officials, rectors, members of the formal and informal EFA work committees, diplomats resident representatives of UN agencies and officials, representatives of social associations and guest.
First, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Chairman of Education for All Central Coordinating Committee Secretary-l delivered an address. He said: I wish you all good health and happiness. On the occasion of .the International Literacy Day, let us try to strive through education towards a tranquil, peaceful and developed world.
The gap that exists between the rich and poor nations of the world can be narrowed only by improving the education in the less developed nations. It is by the provision of education that there will be global peace and development. As a member of the world family of nations, the Union of Myanmar on 8 September of every year celebrates “ International Literacy Day”. On this day, we take pride in the efforts we have made in our endeavours to eradicate illiteracy as this day is commemorated to remind all nations of the need to vigorously pursue literacy for their people. In order to ensure that the Union of Myanmar becomes a developed nation, the State Peace and Development Council emphasizes the role of the education sector as the major driving force. The vision is to raise the quality of education on a national scale. In keeping with this vision of education, the theory and practice of education have undergone discernible change. The whole education system has become more flexible and open, with learners being given more chance and more choice.
In the school sector, greater access and quality improvement of education is being carried out. At the same time, irrespective of wealth and social status, in order for a person who has gained literacy to continue his education and not lapse back into illiteracy, continuing education programmes have been drawn up under the Education for All Plan. This plan covers both formal and non-formal education s as they complement each other.
Basic literacy and continuing education programmes are essential for achieving a learning society and these programmes are include in the Education for All Plan of Action, especially in the non-formal sector. The main strategies of the plan are:
(1) to ensure that all children of school going age are in school and,
(2) to reduce the adult illiteracy rate.A project which is being widely implemented is the All Children in School .(ACIS) project. This project is being systematically carried out with the combined efforts of the local authorities, social welfare organizations and the communities.
According to the Head of the State, special 3R classes were first implemented during the summer of 1996 in the Kokang region, Wa region, Kengtung region, and Rakhine region As a result, 1,460 residents of these regions in 1996-97 and 2,333 in 1997-98 become literate. Literacy activities according to the EFA Plan had been continued in 1998-99. In 2000, 3R summer classes have been opened in Kayin region, Kokang region and Pa-O region from April 20th to May 21st. As result, 10,510 residents of these regions become literate.
The EFA plan is being implemented by the personnel from the education sector and the community. Due to this concerted national effort, the rate of enrolment has increased to 91 per cent and the illiteracy rate has decreased to 9 per cent and thus we have successfully met the stated goals of achieving 80 per cent school enrolment and 11 per cent reduction rate for illiteracy.
Universal Primary Education is within reach and it is clear that Compulsory Primary Education can be prescribed in the near future. Myanmar has had a long history of literacy and is usually included in the group of countries with a high literacy rate. UNESCO includes Myanmar in Group A. At present, Myanmar is implementing continuing education programmes such as post-literacy programmes, income generation programmes and quality of life improvement programmes. Myanmar is striving to create a learning society in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Education has been held in high regard in Myanmar. Traditionally, Myanmar is a country that reveres education. The people in close co-operation with and support of the government have managed to achieve many of the EFA goals. This observation is supported by the year 2000 educational statistics and it may be regarded as achievement of implementing the social objectives of the State. The word Development may need to be defined. Development means not only economic growth but also social progress. Only when social progress and economic growth go hand in hand, can it be called real development. In some countries, though economic growth is considerable, there is a deterioration in the social sector due to an imported foreign culture.
Today, we are implementing the Education Promotion Programmes. At the same time we have embarked on the National Education Quality Improvement Special Four Year Plan for which the government has allocated considerable funds. The multi-media classrooms have been established in many schools throughout the country. By utilizing modern information technology and methods, the gap between schools in urban and rural areas is being narrowed down and this is reflected in student achievement.
In the non-formal education sector, that aims at lifelong learning, continuing education (covering post-literacy programmes, income generation programmes and quality of life improvement programmes) is being implemented by GOs, NGOs and INGOs. It has been seen that Mandalay Division which has completed basic literacy programmes, is implementing its division-wide implementation of continuing education. Likewise, Sagaing, Magway and Ayeyawady divisions are also making similar arrangements. At this point, I would like to urge that, during the 21st century, continuing education should be carried out to ensure that a lifelong learning society is created. In other words, education should be from womb to tomb . The Government and the community must work together in pre-school education, school education and out-of-school education, and education for all to maintain the gains that have been made.
There are also a group of destructive elements who do not wish to see the successful implementation of the education improvement programmes that are being carried out systematically after much consultation. Also to create a disturbance, this group has denigrated the national programmes with the aim of making them fail. On 21-8-2000, 15 foreign nationals in collusion with NLD leaders and some youths held a discussion on education at NLD Headquarters. This trumped up discussion was video taped and distributed to other countries in order to jeopardise the present peaceful pursuit of education.
That this group of destructive elements is conspiring with nationals from western countries who are masterminding plans to dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of the students and the people and create difficulties for EFA, continuing education, education improvement programmes and the National Education Quality Improvement Special Four Year Plan, can be clearly seen. This is a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. In spite of this interference the close bond that exists between the government and the people will ensure the success of the education sector, and that the momentum of our endeavours will not falter.
In conclusion, I would like to urge that
-the momentum of the Education programme be raised further and in order to achieve it the people of Myanmar will have to work collectively and enthusiastically,
-to extend the implementation of continuing education programmes such as post literacy programme, income generation programme and quality of life improvement programme, and
-to create a learning society.
Then, Resident Representative of UNDP Mr Patrice Coeur-Bizot gave a speech. Afterwards, General Secretary of Myanmar National Commission for UNESCO Rector U Han Tin of Yangon Institute of Education read out the message of the UNESCO Director-General . Then, a documentary video titled From Literacy to Continuing Education was presented to guests and the ceremony came to a close. Before the ceremony, the Secretary-l and party and guests viewed the exhibition to mark the International Literacy Day.
(3) Athletes exhorted to energetically and enthusiastically enter events to rebound to the honour of the nation
Greater efforts still required to realize motto “Myanmar Sports the World to Conquer”
YANGON, 8 Sept-Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met the Myanmar sports contingent which will take part in the Year 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, at Padamya Hall of National Indoor Stadium-l in Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, at 5.30 PM today.
Director (Competition/ Training) of SPED U Maung Win introduced the members of the Myanmar sports contingent to the Secretary- 1.
Then, Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council the Secretary-l delivered an address. Secretary-l said 27 sport events will be included at the 27th World Olympic Games which will be organized in Sydney, Australia, this month; Myanmar will take part in four events on which high hopes are pinned to win medals. Myanmar wishes to en able her athletes to fully take part in the World Olympic Games. The athletes of today are enjoying unprecedented support rendered actively by the people under the leadership of the government. Myanmar soccer which can be called the national sport is also winning unprecedented support; the entire nation is expecting a soccer victory for Myanmar. In conclusion, the Secretary-l urged athletes to always bear in mind the assistance and expectations of the government and the people and to take part in the sport events with the unbending spirit. Afterwards, Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint reported to the Secretary-l on the brief history of the Olympic Games, condition of - Myanmar sports contingent s participation, preparations of Myanmar team which will take part-in the track & field, swimming, weight-lifting and archery events, training, events and records of seven Myanmar athletes and potential for success of Myanmar team. Then, Myanmar Women s Sports Federation presented garment and equipment worth K 25,200 for women athletes. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected sports equipment to be used in the Games.
(4) Myanmar building genuine and durable democratic system in own way
Minister U Win Aung gives statement at UN Millennium Summit
YANGON, 8 Sept-The following is the statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the delegation of the Union of Myanmar to the Millennium Summit in New York on 7 September.
"Madame President,
Mr President,
Mr Secretary General,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,Allow me first of all to extend to you our warmest congratulations on your assumption as the Co-Chairpersons of the Millennium Summit. I am fully confident that under your able guidance the Millennium Summit will be able to fulfil the expectations of the world community.
The world we live today is a different world from that of the founders of the United Nations Organization. In the intervening half century the world has witnessed momentous changes-some for the better, some for the worse. We have made huge strides in the field of technology. The world population has surpassed the six billion mark. The world has the ability to feed the teeming billions. However, people living in dire poverty, millions dying of hunger are a common phenomena.
As we enter the new millennium we must strengthen our Organization so that it will be able to cope with new challenges and new realities. Member countries of the United Nations, each in their own way are trying to bring development to their respective countries. In order to succeed they must choose the path that most suits their needs. They must choose the path that is compatible with the present day realities, taking into consideration their history, their culture and their national ethos. There is no single formula that could be applied to all countries. It would be wrong for powerful countries to impose their systems on others. It would be wrong for the powerful to mould the developing countries in their own image. In this context, let me once again reiterate that Myanmar is building a genuine and durable democratic system in our own way. While armed conflicts anywhere in the world, once started are difficult to find peaceful solutions, in our country, the flames of conflicts have been extinguished; the guns have been silenced. And yet, there are some who would like to stir up the tranquil waters. Then we have to take preventive measures. We have to respect the will of the 50 million people who would like to preserve the hard-won peace, who do not want to see any moves which would lead the nation back to total anarchy and disintegrate into pieces.
While taking preventive measures, the Government handles the situation in a most humane manner. We do no harm to anyone. We do not commit any atrocities. The Government is taking a constructive path while opposing forces are embarking on a path of destruction. Confrontational and destructive actions could only impede the process of democratization of our country, let alone achieving one.
When we look back to the last century, we see tremendous technological progress brought about by the industrial revolution. This progress had spurred the search for raw materials and new markets resulting in colonialism and imperialism. We see various justifications being given to justify these acts of aggression and hegemonies.
The world is now experiencing another technological revolution the information technology revolution. The industrial revolution has resulted in the colonization of the peoples of the developing countries. We must make doubly sure that IT revolution does not bring along with it a new form of colonialism. IT revolution has the potential to benefit all mankind. We must make doubly sure that the fruits of the new revolution is available world wide. We must work together so that advancement in technology do not result in a digital divide. We must make sure that the new technology is used to bring goodwill and understanding to all mankind.
With the advent of globalization, many new opportunities are opened to us. At the same time there is a very real possibility that the globalization will result in the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming even more impoverished. At the dawn of the new century it is imperative that we make every effort to eliminate these disparities. In this, we rightfully look to the United Nations to play a leading role.
In all this the role of the United Nations Organization is of paramount importance. We must reform the Organization so that it will be equal to the task. While new changes should be introduced to the Organization there are cardinal principles of the Organization and its Charter which are sacrosanct. Regrettably there are those who would like to weaken these principles which- are the cornerstone of our international system to meet their own ambitions and designs. The principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are cardinal principles which have enabled the world community to live in peace with one another. Therefore, I totally disagree with those who contend that these principles are outdated and that we do not need them in the new century. These are valid in the new century as they were in the old. It is our hope that this Summit would once again reaffirm the cardinal principles of international conduct. These principles have served us well in the old millennium. They will serve us equally well in the new millennium.
Thank you"
(5) Minister meets Australian AmbassadorYANGON, 8 Sept-Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun met Australian Ambassador Mr Trevor David Wilson at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister U Maung Aung, Director-General of the Immigration and National Registration Department Col Maung Htay, Director-General of the Population Department Col Tin Yee and officials.
(6) Myanmar Food and Drug Authority holds MeetingYANGON, 8 Sept- Myanmar Food and Drug Authority held Meeting No 1/2000 at the Ministry of Health on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road this afternoon. Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, members of the Authority and guests.
Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein gave a speech. Secretary of the Authority Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung reported on functions and rules and regulations of the Authority.
Those present took part in the discussions. Myanmar Food and Drug Authority has been formed to lay down policies related to inspection and supervision of import, distribution, sale and advertisement of food and medicines, to see to it that food and medicines are free from danger and to take action .
(7) Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium 3 to 10 October
YANGON, 8 Sept-Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee held its first meeting this evening at Myanma Gems Mart. The meeting also reviewed sales at the 37th Myanma Gems Emporium which was held in March 2000. Patron of the Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint said the 37th MGE realized US $ 24.17 million from sale of jade, gem and pearl lots through auction and jade, gems, jewellery and jade figurines through fixed prices. Efforts are required to win more success in the coming Mid-Year Emporium which will be held in October. Secretary of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Soe presented plans to invite local and foreign merchants to the Mid-Year Emporium.
Members of the respective subcommittees then took part in the discussions. The meeting decided to hold the Mid-Year Emporium from 3 to 10 October.
(8) International Literacy Day Paper Reading Session held
YANGON, 8 Sept-The Year 2000 International Literacy Day Commemorative Paper Reading Session was held at the Theatre of the Myanmar Education Research Bureau on Pyay Road this morning. It was attended by advisers to the Ministry of Education, retired directors general of the Basic Education Department retired rectors of universities and colleges, the rector of the Institute of Education, chairman and officials of MERB, rectors of universities, principals of education colleges, teachers, students, resource persons and observers.
Retired Chairperson Daw Khin Swe Tun of MERB presided over the morning session and made a speech. Patron of Supervisory Committee for Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint read the paper on literacy and implementation of continuous education in Mandalay Division and replied to the queries raised by attendance s. In the afternoon session, retired Rector U Thaung Tut of the Institute of Education acted as chairman and made a speech.
(9) 1.67 kilos of opium oil cakes seized in Lashio
YANGON, 8 Sept-A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, stopped and searched a passenger Van car (Bha/ 2229) which was entering the entrance of Lashio, Shan State (North), on 12 August, and arrested passenger Ma Nan Nwan, daughter of U Lon She, of Hoya village, Mongyai Township, together with three packets of opium oil cakes weighing 1.67 kilos. Action is being taken against her according to the law.
(10) Thirteen Ngazun Township NLD members resign of own accord
YANGON 8 Sept-Thirteen members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Ngazun Township, Mandalay Division. Thirteen members of Ngazun Township NLD, Mandalay Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Ngazun Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 20 March 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
WEATHER REPORT
TODAYForecast for Yangon and neighbouring area for 9th September 2000: Some rains which may be heavy at time. Degree of certainty is 80%
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