Informal classes in Myanmar

A bitter battle between the military and the resistance has been raging in Myanmar since the coup in February 2021. This conflict has resulted in 900,000 internally displaced people fleeing the Burmese army and local militias. In an act of defiance and a sign of protest against the military junta, students have refused to go to school and 35% of teachers have resigned. 7.5 million young people are denied education for the 2022-2023 school year. Many are at risk of being drafted into the Burmese army or civilian armed groups. Faced with this situation, students are increasingly dependent on informal instruction to continue their pursuit of knowledge. Informal classes are local initiatives led by communities in response to the lack of education since the coup and boycotts of public schools by teachers and parents. They are built wherever public schools can no longer function, especially in war zones (Kayah, Southern Shan and Karen States; Chin State). Classes take place in camps for displaced persons, in community or village halls, in local people's homes, etc. The trainers are former teachers who have resigned or are retired since the coup, university students or boarding school directors. The target group of the informal classes are 15,000 children of primary and secondary school age. Some of them live in their village, others are displaced, but none of them go to school. Aside from the children, the other direct beneficiaries are the 893 teachers who will be hired for these informal classes. They are paid 100,000 kyat (£43) per month, which is 2 to 3 times less than a regular teacher's salary. Education and security are fundamental human rights that must be guaranteed, particularly in the face of national crises such as the current civil war in Myanmar. We would be happy if you support the informal class program with a donation.

download full project report in german

download full project report in english