Chin Youths Construct New School Foothpath in Falam

20 June 2012: The construction of a new concrete footpath designed to help high school students in a hilly town of Falam in Chin State, Burma has neared its completion under the leadership of GFYO (Global Falam Youth Organization).

A 440ft long route with dozens of steps leading to the Basic Education High School No. 1 situated in the lower part of Falam is constructed with funds contributed by Chin youths and individuals living abroad.

Salai Phun Hre Mang, Vice President of GFYO, said: “Local people, especially students, have problems going up and down the town along a slippery, muddy and eroded path. The footpath gets worse during the rainy season and it is not safe at all.”

“It is a small project but we know that it will be helpful and useful to the community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contribute and participate in the process,” added the Vice President based in USA.

With its construction commenced on 7 May after asking an official permission from the authorities in the township and district levels, the Falam footpath is believed to become the longest with the highest number of steps in the whole Chin State upon completion.

Established in June 1906, the Basic Education High School No. 1, the first high school in Chin State, has got more than 900 students, with 57 teachers, according to a Chin World Media interview with headmaster Pu Thawng Uk.

Originally founded in 1892 by the British, Falam, a hillside Chin town sitting at about 5200ft above sea level, is currently home to an estimated population of 11,320 with 1277 households, according to figures by the New Light of Myanmar on 15 March 2012.

Reporting by Thawng Zel Thang
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