An eastern Myanmar diocese has organized a tuition program to assist poor students who face difficulty passing their school leaving exams.

The tuition program, launched by Bishop Sotero Phamo of Loikaw,  aims to help children living in rural areas who are unable to continue their studies because of poverty.

The program accepts up to 40 students each year, with 36 students already enrolled for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Students board at the tuition center throughout the year and are given a small allowance. In return, they help with general cleaning and gardening.

“We really want to help those who have lost their future because of their final exam failures,” said program coordinator Htar Htar.

Among the 34 candidates who sat for the final examination in 2008-2009, 20 passed, including three with distinctions. In 2009-2010, 23 out of 33 passed with nine distinctions.

After completing their exams, the students are free to choose to continue their studies at university, to take other courses or even to join the seminary or Religious congregations.

The tuition program gives priority to students who have taken optional arts subjects. This is because there are many private tuition centers specializing in science subjects but few focus on the arts, Htar Htar explained.

In the past, the center only accepted Catholic students but this year it has been opened to students of other faiths.

Rosy, a student who passed the 10th standard with two distinctions, said that she had previously failed twice in the final exams.

However, she studied hard when she arrived at the center.

“I tried hard to finish the daily homework and I worked on mathematics puzzles during free time in the afternoon,” she said.

Related reports
Diocese plans more support for mission schools
Church-run ‘higher education’ program benefits needy youngsters
Career dreams come true for Myanmar youth

MY10589.1612