A project brought to life! Crafts training programme for 500 young people from conflict-affected areas in Myanmar

BRINGING HOPE BACK THROUGH CRAFTS TRAINING IN KAREN STATE

Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been facing a deep political, economic and social crisis. Opposition to the regime has led to the displacement of 3.5 million people, both within the country and across its borders.

The education sector has been particularly hard hit: half of the teachers resigned and many students stopped attending public schools. As a result, many young people have been left without access to education, making them vulnerable to early marriage, organised crime, idleness and other risks. Some have even joined the armed resistance, putting their lives in grave danger.

In this context, the Education Commission of the Diocese of Hpa-An launched a crafts training programme in Karen State, giving young people practical skills, a chance to earn an income and a renewed sense of purpose.

construction of a classroom in the Chin State

SKILLS THAT PROTECT AND EMPOWER

• Avoiding risks. Young people are not left to fend for themselves and are better protected from prostitution and organised crime.
• Learning new crafts. They develop skills in embroidery, wallet-making and soap production.
• Building confidence. They take part in constructive activities that boost their self-esteem.
• Regaining hope. They rebuild a sense of confidence and belief in their future.
• Creating livelihoods. They can go on to start small businesses and generate an income.

Myanmar

FROM LEARNING TO EARNING: CRAFT SKILLS IN ACTION

The training enabled 470 young people to develop practical skills in soap making, embroidery and the production of small wallets.

They then put these skills to use by making products to sell at community events such as traditional Karen festivals and religious gatherings, earning money in the process.

Some participants also expanded their reach by selling online. Several were so grateful that they used part of their earnings to fund a second training session for young people who had missed the first one.

How the project unfolded

With the funds in hand by July 2024, the project moved quickly into action. The team of five trainers, fully prepared and eager to start, launched a three-month programme running from July through September.

Training took place across two sites, in Phayarthonsu and the village of Thitkadoe in the Mea Sali region. Participants came from five different villages, with most coming from Phayarthonsu.

To make the most of the space available, the young people were split into several small groups. This ensured a calm, focused environment, with all the materials they needed at hand, and allowed trainers to provide careful, ongoing guidance. The goal was not merely to teach a set of skills, but to give participants the confidence and know-how to use them independently, empowering them to continue creating and learning long after the sessions had ended.

Myanmar