USDA to Expand Scholarship Program

The junta-backed mass organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), will expand its public examination program to award educational scholarships.

The examinations are open to the public and will take place in Naypyidaw in the near future, said a USDA source who requested anonymity. 

The examination topics will include six subjects: Myanmar’s [Burma’s] role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; a strong Tatmadaw [armed forces] for a strong nation; using information and communication technology to develop the country; the role of youth in safeguarding independence; building unity among ethnic groups; and Burma’s human and natural resources. 

A USDA official in Rangoon told The Irrawaddy on Friday that the organization is involved in the scholarship program, but he declined to provide more information.

Since it was founded in 1993, the USDA, with the backing of the military regime, has been involved in social affairs such as education and health in an effort to win support and favor with the public. In the run up to the 2010 election, it has expanded its role from civic projects to political organization, and it is in the process of providing state-approved candidates to run for office in 2010. 

The USDA and its members are expected to play a major role as a proxy party for the military government. It played a key role in the 2008 Constitutional referendum.

Snr-Gen Than Shwe and other top generals are USDA patrons.

In the past, the USDA, which claims 24 million members, has provided scholarships, including some for studies abroad, but applicants had to be USDA members, said the USDA source. Many students and government workers are forced to join the organization, he said.

The USDA is also involved in the migrant worker program by providing recommendation letters for Burmese who want to work in Malaysia.