Myanmar

Myanmar monastic school children

New teaching techniques encourage students to ask questions and think critically about what they are learning.

See more pictures from our work in Myanmar.

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.

Cyclone Nargis orphans

Orphans, who lost their parents to Cyclone Nargis, enjoy a game of "chickens and eagles".

Today, 80 Nargis orphans are gathered at a monastery for their monthly get-together.  The children are learning to play a game called “Chickens and Eagles”.  Young volunteers divide the children into groups of three and tell them to pretend to be “chickens”.  Each time they hear, “Eagles are coming,” the little “chicks” quickly run into the arms of their "parents".  Those who do not run back in time will be caught by the “eagles”.