Education to Chin IDPs
We received the following request from a Chin group who is trying to support educational opportunities for thousands of refugees who have had to flee their homes from violence inflicted on the military. If you are able to support their project, please consider a contribution.
“Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Myanmar are closed for more than a year. In the absence of online learning opportunities, students missed an entire academic year. They now face an even greater challenge with a rapidly increasing COVID-19 infection rate and the aftermaths of the Military coup.
The education system in Myanmar is facing a catastrophic collapse. Thousands of civil servants have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement and as a result, the majority of universities and schools have been forced to close.
Sporadic fighting continues in many townships including the targeted bombing of schools. Parents also remain unwilling to legitimize the military’s authority by sending their children to government schools. With the constant threat of violence and the lack of opportunities, many youths have signed up to resist the military junta through joining Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and local People’s Defence Force (PDF) groups.
Youths are the asset and hope of the nation. They are the leader in the making. Seeing many youths in Myanmar not only lose their right to education but also losing their life. They also have joined the Armed groups to resist the military junta which put a great risk in the future of our Country. Due to the loss of education, they can easily be exposed to drugs, alcohol, and other illegal activities.
Since the military coup, more than 1200 people have been killed, including at least 52 children. In addition, over 6,300 have been arrested. Those released speaking of up to 80 sharing a single cell, and many have heart-breaking stories of torture and abuse. There are now an estimated 450,000 IDPs in Myanmar, over 35,000 recorded refugees seeking shelter in Thailand, and over 26,000 in India.
Among the refugee coming to India, there are also included so many students who came along with their parents or guardian due to the risk of security in Myanmar. To date, there are around 1000 refugee Myanmar students in India. They need to study and it is their right.
On the 31st of August 2021, the Mizoram government gave the notice to grant admission to all refugee children aged between 6 to 14 years. Taking this opportunity, our project will provide student materials including a monthly allowance and torturing to at least 200 refugees’ students.
The targeted area is Saiha district, Mizoram state; Chapi, Chakhei, Lobo, Chhaolo, and Ia-na, Zongling, Laki, Mawhre villages.”