To facilitate continuous learning for children whose education has been curtailed by the unstable political situation, in the aftermath of the military coup, Hi Burma has established a range of homeschooling programmes across Myanmar. 

Originally, parents refused to send their sons and daughters to school in support of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). When the military eventually reopened schools, this continued. However, many of the teachers who went on strike in support of CDM were ultimately sacked, so the majority of classes in urban settings lack lessons delivered by qualified, experienced teachers. Furthermore, CDM teachers or their families have become targets for arrest and imprisonment, without due process, which still makes homeschooling very risky in military controlled areas. CDM teachers and students dedicated to providing some form of education, albeit informally, are seen to be acting in defiance of the military junta.

Currently, Hi Burma’s homeschooling programmes are expanding, particularly in remote, rural areas, generally controlled by the military opposition. The focus has shifted to providing better quality learning and teaching for these forgotten children – through conducting basic training of CDM teachers and students who volunteer to teach small groups in their local communities. Teaching resources, stationery and a small allowance is provided with ongoing online support. Learning activities go beyond developing traditional academic ability – typically science, maths, English and art, as volunteers are encouraged to share their gifts and talents with their local community in a variety of ways: from handicrafts to youth empowerment. Hi Burma’s programmes now reach entire homeschooling centres in Kachin, Kayah and Shan State, also Mandalay and Sagaing Region. We are proud of all our volunteers and the impact they are having on the development of these local communities.