An update on the situation in Myanmar – April 2024

The civil war in Myanmar continues to intensify and is gradually spreading throughout the country’s northern and southern regions. The large-scale offensives by local militias in the north-east state of Shan and the violent attacks by the Burmese army in the states of Kayah, Karen and most recently, Kachin, bear witness to this fierce escalation in fighting. Today, the country is split in two: the central zone and the major cities remain under the control of the central government, while the rest of the territory is in the hands of ethnic militias and civilians who have taken up arms and are fighting together. If it were not for the air raids perpetrated by the Burmese forces, it is said that the Burmese army would already be defeated on the ground. So far, the conflict has displaced 2.6 million people within the country itself and almost 100,000 people in neighbouring countries, particularly in Thailand.

Teams from Children of the Mekong were able to meet these Burmese refugees who have lost everything and must now survive on the other side of the border.

Clandestine life at the Myanmar border

Children of the Mekong runs 125 sponsorship programmes. A dozen of those sponsorship programmes have been affected by the recent fighting (boarding houses have been closed, people have been displaced, houses have been burnt down). It is hardly possible to believe that some of the centres visited by members of our head office, just a few months ago, have since been evacuated and taken over by the military…

All the affected children and local programme managers are now safe, either in camps for displaced people or in more remote areas. Despite the current situation, the resilience, courage and dedication displayed by our local programme managers on behalf of the young people they look after, make it all the more compelling with every passing day. In spite of repeated escapes, dashed hopes and political setbacks, they never cease to find solutions to bounce back and better help those to whom they have dedicated their lives.

Despite a full-blown political crisis and an education system in shambles, the military junta is pressing ahead with an education reform endorsed by the previous government, which had made education a national priority.

In 2022, in order to match the standards of the other ASEAN countries, the school curriculum added two additional levels, ending in Grade 12 instead of Grade 10. High school was extended by 2 years: at the end of grade 10, students now have the option of going on to technical or agricultural high school or enrolling in a vocational training course. If they wish to attend university, they must complete Grade 12 and pass an entrance test. The first Grade 12 classes began in June 2023. At the end of the school year, students will receive a Certificate of Completion.

This reform raises a number of concerns in the current context. Thousands of teachers joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM) after the coup, compelling the government to hire unqualified people as best it could to replace them. In addition, having spent two years away from school (2020-2022), many of our sponsored children find themselves in grades that do not reflect their age and maturity. Extending their education by two years could simply worsen the situation.

Given the circumstances, we are actively working with our local programme managers to offer young people alternative solutions to keep them in school for as long as possible. For the third year running, we are backing a major programme of “informal schools” in areas where state schools are closed or do not allow children to attend an appropriate grade for their age and skills. Furthermore, we encourage our older sponsored children to enrol in short courses. With this in mind, we are setting up partnerships with high-quality training schools. One thing the Burmese teach us is this: No matter what, there is always an alternative option!