The people of Burma (Myanmar), one of the world's poorest and most troubled countries, face many challenges - extreme poverty, deep social conflicts and failing infrastructure. The education system, undermined by decades of neglect, is unable to prepare students to tackle these challenges. This project will support 200 students from marginalized communities across Burma to reach the academic levels needed to access international university education and become catalysts of positive change.
State education in Burma has deteriorated to the extent that it no longer provides students with the skills that the country so desperately needs. The university system is now little more than a rubber stamp, offering little meaningful, relevant education. Consequently, many young people seek to study abroad to gain valuable skills. However, due to the lack of quality education in Burma, their academic levels are usually far behind those required to access international universities.
This program provides community development workers across Southeast Asia with the skills and qualifications they need to access international university education at the undergraduate and graduate level. A blended learning approach combining an online learning platform with self-study and face-to-face classrooms allows participants to enroll and study from any location with flexible time frames. We level the playing field by providing free university and exam preparation to young change-makers.
Burma is desperately in need of skilled people, particularly in marginalized communities, to help alleviate poverty, provide key services in sectors such as health care and education, and lay foundations for a better future. This project will help individuals from these communities overcome the many obstacles that prevent them from accessing international university education. Once graduated, they will return to Burma and use their skills to benefit thousands of their fellow community members.
