25 June 2009

Adventist schools are mega city witnessing centers

Seventh-day Adventist schools worldwide have become evangelistic centers that bring young people to the Lord while in their tender years. The schools in Myanmar similarly fulfil this mission.

Enrolment has ended in this country of the golden pagodas, and parents have enlisted their children at Adventist seminaries in the mega cities of Yangon, Mandalay, Taungyi, Pathein, and Pyin Oo Lwin.

Primarily established for Adventist children, Adventist schools have been chosen by non-Adventists, too, as best schools to send their children. Looking at the benefits of learning many skills using English as a medium of instruction has influenced such decisions. And a very good knowledge of the English language is beneficial to people who are in search of international placements.

Beyond spiritual development of the young people, the Education department of the Adventist church in Myanmar (MYUM) also endeavors to develop their physical, mental, and social faculties.

For its part, the Yangon Adventist Seminary (YAS), which was established in 1975 primarily for the Adventist workers’ children, has now become a center of learning for children of both Adventists and non-Adventists. “This academic year 2009-2010, 75 percent of the 334 students enrolled at YAS are non-Adventists,” reported Ler Moo Aye, YAS treasurer. “And we take to heart our role of integrating faith and learning in our academic community.”

Foreseeing the influx of students in the near future, the school administrators look at the need of “providing more classrooms so as not to prevent the communities’ children to come to our schools.”

It is of note that YAS has upgraded its computer laboratory in order to enhance the skills of students in the information technology courses. [Myo Chan/AND]