As poverty in Myanmar (Burma) deepens, Buddhist monasteries have started schools to provide basic education and care for the increasing number of poor children who cannot afford to attend state schools. These schools accept students of both sexes and of all ethnicities and religions, and use the standard state curriculum. The monks and nuns leading these schools see education as vital to the future of their country. The state spends less than 2% of gross domestic product on health and education, leading to a serious deterioration in the country’s future prospects.
