Chin University Students Meet in Hakha
21 April 2012: About 200 Chin students from different universities and colleges in Burma gather in Hakha, Chin State from 19-22 April 2012 in an effort to strengthen understanding and communication.
The gathering, organized by the Chin University Student Fellowship (CUSF) and hosted by Hakha university students, has got participants from Mindat, Matupi, Tedim, Falam, Thantlang and Hakha townships as well as Kalaymyo of Sagaing Division.
“This event has been going on for more than 10 years and university students think it is essential for improving their collaboration, cooperation and networks. So, it is held once every academic year,” one of the participants told Chinland Guardian.
“Some students, especially from Mindat and Matupi in southern parts of Chin State, took days to get to Hakha. This is so much encouraging not only for their fellow students but also for the local communities,” added the Chin student.
With its motto reading ‘We are one in Chin’, CUSF’s meeting this year marks its 14th anniversary, held with contributions from the students.
The four-day programmes include planting trees, holding a seminar with paper presentations by leaders from religious and secular as well as development backgrounds, and presenting cultural dances, fashion shows and live gig on the last day.
In response to their application sent to the Office of Township Administration for an official permission, Chief Minister Hung Ngai reportedly said the event would be held only for one day and new applications had to be otherwise re-applied.
“As our meeting is a four-day event, we are now re-writing a letter with details of when and where the event will take place on a daily basis,” a Hakha university student told Chinland Guardian.
Last year, the student group donated clothes to orphanages and planted cherries and pine trees as well as put up a public notice board in the town center during their four-day meeting in Thantlang.
Initiated in the aftermath of the 1996 closure of universities and colleges across the country in Burma, the Chin University Student Fellowship (CUSF) was formed in 1998.
CUSF has since been actively engaged in forging closer cooperation and communication among students and with local communities through a gathering programme held at different locations such as Hakha in 2008, Falam in 2009, Tedim in 2010 and Thantlang in 2011.
Van Biak Thang
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