Freedom to Education for Young People in Myanmar

Since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the country has faced a prolonged crisis affecting nearly every aspect of life socially, politically, and economically. Amid civil unrest, displacement, school closures, internet blackouts, and widespread uncertainty, education has become one of the most severely disrupted sectors.

For many young people in Myanmar, the coup not only interrupted their studies but also shattered their sense of stability and hope for the future. Thousands of teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), universities and schools were shut down and countless students especially from ethnic and rural backgrounds were left without access to basic education. The situation has disproportionately affected those already marginalised, deepening the cycle of poverty and inequality.

In this context, education is more than academic learning it is an act of resistance, a pathway to safety, dignity, and a better future. Every opportunity to study represents hope, empowerment, and the possibility of rebuilding lives and communities. For young people affected by the crisis, continuing their education means reclaiming control over their futures and becoming agents of positive change in a country yearning for peace and democracy.

This is why scholarship programmess like ours are not only essential, they are urgent. They provide a critical lifeline for students who, despite the turmoil, are determined to pursue knowledge, develop their potential, and contribute to a better tomorrow.

It is with deep gratitude that we share this midyear report, documenting the journey and growth of the 40 university students and 35Class 12 students whom your generosity supports. Over the past months, your support has nourished not only academic excellence, but also personal character, leadership, and spiritual wellbeing.

University Students Update

Our university students have begun on a new academic year, and we’re encouraged to report that the majority are performing well in their respective fields of study. A few students are currently receiving additional guidance and mentorship to help them improve academically.

Class 12 Students Update

Our 35 Class 12 students have now reached the midpoint of their academic year. They are provided with a full scholarship covering their school fees, uniforms, textbooks, stationery, people with disability support (PWD), food, accommodation and their basic expenses. The students are provided with daily study guidance, medical services, and some extra curriculum activities.  

They are currently sitting for their first term examinations, marking a critical step in their preparation for final board exams.

We are supporting them closely both academically and emotionally, recognising the pressure and importance of this academic phase in their lives.

Key Achievements

Fresh Graduates: Three students got graduated this year. One girl completed MBBS from China, two boys from India have completed their studies in B.sc Agriculture and B.A in Political Science.

Improved English proficiency: Several first-year students have made noticeable strides in spoken English, enhancing their classroom engagement and confidence.

Leadership in action: One student was appointed Assistant Secretary of the International Student Fellowship — testament to their growing leadership skills and community involvement.

Outstanding representation: We are proud to share that one student was selected to represent Mizoram students in a prestigious internship programme, chosen among only four total representatives.

Challenges faced

Language barriers: Many first-year students face difficulties adjusting to being taught in English, particularly in complex subjects.

Remote management: Given our geographical distances, remotely monitoring and mentoring students presents challenges. Without timely intervention, there is a potential risk of disengagement or dropout.

Academic adjustment: Some students, especially freshers, struggle to grasp advanced subjects initially, requiring extra academic support and encouragement.

Pastoral care and wellbeing

In collaboration with Health & Hope UK (HHUK), we have continued to run our Pastoral Care Programme, which plays an essential role in supporting the spiritual and mental well-being of all our students. Through regular check-ins, counselling sessions, and prayer meetings, we are fostering resilience, faith, and community across all education levels.

Personal testimonials & anecdotes

"This scholarship has been a great support for both my academic and personal expenses. Since I have no relatives abroad who can assist me, and my father joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) following the military coup, this help has been especially meaningful. I’m also very grateful for the Pastoral Care Programme, which looks after my spiritual and mental well-being."Freshman in B.sc Environmental Science.

"After passing Class 12 and returning to my village, I felt there was no path forward for my education. But receiving this scholarship has truly changed my life. It not only allowed me to continue studying, but also helped me reconnect with relatives I hadn’t been in touch with before, and I've grown so much personally. This support gave me the confidence to take the first step — and I’ve learned that when you do, everything else begins to fall into place. This has been a true turning point in my life."  Freshman in B.Tech Computer Engineering

Financial Update

We are pleased to share an overview of how the scholarship funds have been allocated to support our students during the current academic year.

Class 12 Students (35 Students) – 100% scholarship support

Thanks to your generous giving, 100% of the educational and living expenses for all Class 12 students have been fully covered.

This includes:

• Accommodation and food
• School uniforms
• Tuition and examination fees
• Textbooks and stationery
• People with disability (PWD) support

This comprehensive coverage ensures that students can focus on their studies without financial burden, and are equipped with the necessary materials and care for their academic journey.

University Students (40 Students) – Partial and full scholarships

University students have received scholarships based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. The support has been categorised as follows:

• 100% of tuition and school fees are covered for all university students, regardless of their scholarship level.
• On average, the scholarship has covered approximately 70% of total expenses, which include:
• Accommodation and living costs
• Course materials and textbooks
• Basic personal expenses

Students receiving partial scholarships are often those who have some external family support or perform slightly below the academic threshold for full support. In such cases, we continue to provide mentorship and guidance to help them improve and qualify for additional aid.

Conclusion

As we move into the second half of the academic year, we remain committed to enhancing one-on-one mentorship and necessary support for all students, tracking academic progress closely to provide timely interventions, and continuing holistic care through spiritual and mental wellness programmes. Your support is not only helping students pursue their academic goals but it is also nurturing future leaders, professionals, and community changemakers. We deeply value your partnership in this journey.

Thank you.

Over the past quarter, our team has been actively engaged in both academic support and field-based monitoring efforts to ensure the well-being and progress of the students.

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Visits:

To stay closely connected with our university students and assess their progress, we conducted Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) visits:

• We met with a group of nursing students currently studying at universities across the border from Myanmar. The visit focused on checking on their academic performance, health, and accommodation, and discussing their career goals and challenges.
• We also visited 9 university students who are pursuing various degrees, also over the border. This visit offered an opportunity to understand their learning environment, provide moral support, and assess their academic standing.

These in-person interactions are vital for building trust, ensuring accountability, and addressing any issues students may face during their university life.

2. Class 12 Admission Process:

Simultaneously, we are working closely with Class 11 students who have now advanced to Class 12. Thanks to generous support from our donors for which we are extremely grateful, this progression to Class 12 was made possible following the cancellation of USAID funding earlier this year. Without this vital funding, our students would have had to leave their studies and face a very uncertain future.

Our team guided our Class 12 students through the admission and re-enrollment process for the upcoming academic session. This includes helping with form submissions, coordinating with schools, and ensuring that all financial and logistical needs are met for a smooth transition.

1. Mental Health and English-Speaking Sessions:

During the summer break, we took the opportunity to go beyond academics and focus on personal development:

• A total of 35 students participated in interactive sessions aimed at building self-confidence, improving English communication skills, and addressing emotional well-being.
• These workshops were designed to equip students with tools to manage stress, express themselves confidently, and prepare for both academic and real-world challenges.

Achievements:

We are proud to report several key academic milestones and accomplishments:

• Class 11 Examination Results:
• All Class 11 students under our care successfully passed their examinations.
• Among them, three students achieved outstanding academic positions, securing 2nd and 3rd ranks in their respective classes — an inspiring testament to their hard work and dedication.
• University Graduates:
• We are thrilled to announce that two university students will be graduating this academic year. Their successful completion of higher education marks a major achievement not only for them, but also for the programme and its supporters. These students have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous support that helped make this milestone possible.

Thank you

The progress made by these students reflects the transformative power of education when paired with compassion and support. Your contributions have directly impacted their lives, enabling them to overcome financial and social barriers in pursuit of their dreams.

As we continue this journey together, we remain committed to ensuring that each student receives the guidance, resources, and encouragement needed to reach their full potential.

Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the potential of every child and young adult in our care.