Access to electricity for isolated children homes in Myanmar
Funds raised so far: 16%
The context
The military coup brought an end to 10 years of openness and economic and social development in the country. It should be noted that Myanmar was already under military rule in 2010, following successive coups in 1962 and 1990. The vast majority of Myanmar people opposed this return to power with a general strike (45% of civil servants, doctors and teachers resigned) and demonstrations. Repression intensified after a few months. Since the summer of 2021, the country has been in a state of civil war. This pits armed groups from different ethnic groups in the country against the military.
The regions most affected by this conflict are in the centre (Kayah State and Sagaing Division), the west (Chin State) and the south (Karen State). According to the government, the conflict has resulted in nearly 3,500 deaths (an underestimate) and nearly 2.6 million internally displaced persons fleeing to the forest or makeshift camps without water, food or amenities. The escalation of violence is relentless. Myanmar is now divided in two: the area still controlled by the military, and the areas controlled by ethnic armies and the civilian population who have taken up arms.
The need
Children homes are seeing an influx of young people who cannot stay in their villages because of fighting and because schools are no longer functioning. It is necessary to equip these places, which are often not designed to receive these young people and ensure their education. The main requests concern the installation of autonomous electrical equipment and solar batteries.
Alternative study areas (in village halls, shelters, etc.) must be equipped with autonomous electrical equipment so that young people can study despite power cuts. Without electricity, it is pitch black in these isolated areas.
Project highlights
- The facilities are equipped with all the necessary equipment for normal study, including a continuous electrical system to power the classrooms
- The provision of electricity is essential for studying in the evening and for young people to carry out their daily tasks.
- Reducing electricity costs and freeing up funds for other needs (teaching materials, food)
- Raising environmental awareness and teaching pupils about renewable energy.
The example of Kalay boarding school
Kalay boarding school accommodates 74 girls enrolled in grades 1 to 12 (equivalent to primary to secondary school). They all come from poor rural families who cannot afford to pay the full boarding fees.
The Bogalay boarding school serves as both a residence and an educational institution for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Today, households are facing many difficulties and challenges due to the civil war and rising prices.
Electricity has been cut off since the 2021 coup, so solar panels, batteries and inverters would need to be installed so that the students can study in adequate conditions in the evening. Due to the lack of light, on some evenings the students do not study and therefore go to bed early.
This system would also be used to pump water. Sometimes there is no drinking water, no water for cooking, and no water for washing.
The example of installing a solar energy system at the Thingchaung community centre
In the village of Thingchaung, in southern Chin State (Myanmar), a community centre welcomes children so they can continue their education. Without electricity, evening classes are impossible and students cannot study after dark. The project aims to install a solar system and a Starlink internet connection via the Indian network. This will enable teachers to train online and pupils to achieve better results. Local residents will contribute to the internet subscription, thereby financing part of the teachers’ salaries.
We are seeking to raise €25,551 for this project, aiming to provide access to electricity in boarding houses and children’s homes in the Chin State, so that children and young people can improve their living conditions and study after sunset.
