After the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Myanmar experienced a military coup in February of 2021. Both events have brought the country conflict and suffering with economic instability, strikes, civil conflict, and unrest over the past few years. In addition as of May 2024, the United Nations estimates over 3 million individuals have been displaced.
When schools in Myanmar reopened after the pandemic, only an estimated 10% of eligible students returned to classes. Thousands of teachers joined civil disobedience movements and did not return to school. Before the pandemic, education in Myanmar was very neglected, and compulsory schooling was only until the age of 10. The civil strife of the past few years has dismantled an already precarious education system.
Loikaw in the eastern part of Kayah State has been the site of especially intense fighting with an estimated 200,000 or more residents leaving their homes. Many Karenni tribal Catholics in this area have become internally displaced, going in search of safer places. Thousands of displaced individuals arrive daily in Taunggyi City, where the NGO New Humanity International is located.
With the influx of displaced families in Taunggyi City, New Humanity together with several other NGOs have set up a primary school to receive displaced children. The educational approach combines the study of the traditional Burmese curriculum with the organization of workshops and group activities, overseen by a psychologist. This approach addresses the dual need of filling an educational void that has persisted for several years and supporting children from a psychological perspective. The project the children have named “Our School” in honor of their education and a peaceful childhood will support 350 children from 5 to 15 years old with annual support of $39,319 USD.
Your support of this project will help ease the pain of the ongoing traumatic experiences in Myanmar and provide some stability for learning amidst the challenges the country continues to face.
Leader