Burma: Greater Youth Role Encourages Suu Kyi

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says participation by the young in national life is encouraging but a good education is vital so that they can spur development and take the country forward.

“It gives me great strength to see young people taking a leading role in all activities in the country,” she told more than 1,000 people gathered at a fair yesterday marking the first anniversary of the Education under Democracy Movement network which she heads.

“We are now in a critical situation and making the right decisions is vital at this moment. We know clearly what is right and with resolution we will continue to work on this, she told them during the fair at the Judson Church Center in Yangon.

“We understand our differences and we are listening to different ideas. But we need to clearly walk on the road which we think it is right even we realize it could be risky,” added the opposition leader who announced earlier this week she will be running in upcoming by-elections.

She urged those gathered to use their abilities and strengths for the good of others and to cooperate with each other.

“Older people need to guide and share their knowledge and experience with the young who in turn must be willing to learn from the old,” she said.

Education is essential for the development of the country, she pointed out adding that she wants education in Myanmar to progress so it meets international standards.