Education collapse drives Myanmar youth to flee as war uproots families

Bishop Bernardino Ne Ne of Taungngu said the collapse of Myanmar's education system is forcing young people to flee the country or seek lives elsewhere. According to the bishop, ongoing conflict, economic hardship, and insecurity are driving youth to consider moving abroad.

The bishop noted that while many people in the Diocese of Taungngu have been forced from their homes, priests continue to serve their parishes by listening to families and offering comfort. He emphasized that young people are an essential part of the Church today and suggested that pastoral care should involve walking with them and helping them encounter Christ personally.

The Diocese of Taungngu is located in the Bago Region, an area where fighting between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups has persisted for decades. Conflict in the region expanded following the February 2021 military coup, bringing airstrikes and military operations to the area. The United Nations estimated that approximately 3.6 million people were internally displaced in Myanmar in 2026.