The Situation
In Myanmar, the most recent figures indicate net enrolment for primary school as 84% and a further 10% drop out before completing Grade 5 (10 or 11 years of age). Children experience difficulties in accessing education in both rural and urban areas due to:
- Parents’ lack of awareness of the importance of education which results in them not sending their children to school. The government policy is that all children should attend primary and middle level education, but this policy is not enforced.
- Quality of teaching - children have few opportunities to display creativity or ask questions but also how to teach new subjects that government added such as music, sports and arts.
- Low income - child labour is very commonly used as a way to supplement household income. In poor parts of the country many parents are working as day labourers and have low incomes. Consequently, there is pressure on households and children face increased risks of homelessness, having to undertake child labor or becoming victims of trafficking (as migrant workers). Additionally, some children become sex workers mostly in their early teens.
- Gender issues - Girls are often married as young adolescents and boys in some states are forced to become child soldiers or work in opium fields.
The Objectives
- Maintain school operation for enrolment of approximately 4800 students
- Improved quality of education by promoting child centred approach to education and aligned Government curriculum and standards.
- Engage parents and community in advocating education and child’s rights.
- Establish income generating activities that move the school towards financial self-sufficiency.
- Set up school administration and management system
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