A Safe Haven

We share the following update that our team leader has prepared, which addresses his recent needs assessment of the conditions and challenges facing many monastic schools.

During the academic year 2021-2022, following the military coup in February 2021, there was a significant debate in Myanmar regarding the reopening of public schools. Some people believed that reopening the schools would provide essential education, while others saw keeping them closed as a means to resist the ruling regime.

During this period, the leaders of monastic and nunnery schools throughout the country faced the challenge of determining the most effective response to the ongoing crisis. Ultimately, they decided to welcome numerous young children into their schools, whom compassionate monks and nuns had been caring for. These children came from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, with many having fled conflict-ridden areas.

As we enter the 2023-2024 academic year, more resident monks and head nuns of monastic and nunnery schools have chosen to open their institutions more widely. This decision comes in response to the growing number of young children from internally displaced families who seek refuge in these schools, particularly in the Magway and Sagaing Regions. Due to the pandemic, many of these children have been without formal education for three years! The compassionate monastics involved in this effort have accepted and accommodated thousands of children, providing them with free education.

It is undeniable that these refugee children have faced significant obstacles to education over the past three years. Therefore, the monks and nuns have made the decision to teach and educate them, despite limited resources, and even qualified teachers. While they have managed to enlist the help of local community members, many of whom are recent high school graduates who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement instead of attending colleges and universities controlled by the military junta, the shortage of materials, especially stationery, remains a pressing issue.

Recognizing the immense efforts of these monks and nuns in caring for these children, our ground support team has is making efforts to assist them. We have determined that paper supplies, in addition to rice and food, are among the most crucial needs. During our aid efforts in some monastic schools, we also discovered over 400 children living in extremely impoverished conditions, lacking access to basic necessities such as clean water, clothing, and hygiene items like pads for women. The monks and nuns have demonstrated true compassion have helped them as much as they can, but they have informed us that these critical needs remain.

We humbly appeal to compassionate individuals and organizations for your support in this endeavor. The dedication and selflessness displayed by the monks and nuns in providing education and care for these vulnerable children is truly inspiring. However, the scarcity of essential resources poses a significant challenge to their noble mission. Your generous donations can make a profound impact on the lives of these young refugees, enabling them to receive the education they so desperately need. Together, let us ensure that these children are equipped with the tools and opportunities to build a brighter future. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help make a meaningful difference in their lives.