Supporting Montessori preschools in Myanmar 2025–2026
Funds raised so far: 49%
Supporting School Children in Myanmar
The Montessori preschool support programme began in 2020 in response to requests from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, to continue their work in Tachileik, Magyikwin, Hopin, Dala and Loikaw.
The congregation’s work supports not just the children, but their families too. With childcare in place, parents can continue their work, while the children gradually get ready for primary school, learning about community life and basic academic skills. The Montessori approach provides a smooth transition, while also ensuring every child receives a nutritious, well-balanced meal each day.
The Impact of the Civil War on the youngest generations
The political crisis in Myanmar that began in 2021 has left many civilians in a precarious situation, marked by forced displacement, violence and insecurity. More than 2.6 million people, including many children, are now displaced. The youngest, who are the most affected, can no longer access education or develop as they should. Support for learning is therefore vital, especially as they are often barred from school, both because of security issues and unsuitable teaching conditions or bureaucratic hurdles. Enrolment rates have been falling since 2021, driven in part by a growing distrust of the current authorities and their institutions.
ADDRESSING THE NEED
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd are creating learning spaces for the most vulnerable children, including those living in slums, rural areas or regions facing escalating civil conflict. The project will reach almost 300 children. The project will run in four locations and will cover the children’s meals, teachers’ salaries, and the cost of learning and hygiene kits.
Project Highlights
The Montessori method helps young children develop initiative, imagination, and critical thinking, giving them the confidence to begin primary school.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd have established strong, enduring preschools, with qualified teachers receiving fair salaries.
Children settle quickly and gain essential skills for primary school, giving them a valuable head start.
Children are well cared for and kept fully engaged while their parents are at work.
The Beneficiaries
More than 200 children receive support in these preschool classes. Yet, this figure does not reflect the wider positive impact. Parents, siblings and other relatives also gain from this assistance, as it eases their financial burden and allows them to dedicate more attention to their work or studies.
The political situation shows no sign of easing and continues to unsettle daily life. Worried for their children, many parents are pulling them out of government schools. Montessori preschools provide a vital alternative, giving children a safe and supportive environment in which to grow.
Discover our project in Myanmar
Since 2020, several Montessori preschools have opened in Myanmar, providing young children with a high quality education in challenging circumstances. These initiatives promote academic learning as well as social and personal development.
1. TACHILEIK, LITTLE STAR MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL PROGRAMME
Tachileik lies in the heart of the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet. The town is a highrisk area, affected by drug, human and organ trafficking.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd run three preschools in Yangon, Hway Tai and Paein Nyawn, educating some 60 children with 4 teachers.
2. MAGYIKWIN “NEW GNERATION”, CHILDCARE PROGRAMME
Ongoing conflict keeps many children out of school. The project runs each year, this year caring for 100 children, most already familiar with school activities, with 7 staff on hand.
3. HOPIN, NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAMME
Hopin is blighted by the widespread presence of drugs in everyday life. Driven largely by rural poverty, many families are left in extreme hardship.
Despite the difficulties following the coup, the Hopin community has opened two centres, one in the town and one in Nant Moon. With 10 teachers, the preschools welcome 120 children.
4. DALA, YADANA ALIN DAN PRESCHOOL PROGRAMME
Notorious for its poverty, the Dala slum is largely home to the Tamil minority, pushed out of major cities by rising costs. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd have extended their work to the area.
The Montessori method supports both young children and their parents. Beyond academics, children learn discipline, selfconfidence, personal hygiene and other essential life skills. Its popularity ensures the project continues each year.
