Help 200 Students From Burma Study for University

As this is our first report of 2013, I would like to begin by thanking everyone for their support in 2012.  In the last year we were able to provide course services to 192 students studying from 18 different locations in Burma including Yangon Division, Mandalay Division, Kachin State, Chin State, Shan State, Mon State, and Arakan State.   Forty-one of our students achieved a high enough score for university entrance on an official TOEFL test and are now applying for scholarships.  We could not have made these achievements without your help and we are deeply thankful for your donations.   

"I would like to thank you so much for your help in helping me improve my English and get a TOEFL certificate. I received a scholarship and am now studying for my master's in public health.  My dreams are coming true and I could not have done this without your help.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" -May Thet

This month, we are starting our first semester of 2013 with over 60 new students.  We are extremely excited about the possibilities for this year. We are developing two new courses, upgrading our online learning management system, forming new partnerships and outreach initiatives, and as access to internet continues to improve, we will continue to expand our geographic scope to be able to offer our courses to more students in underserved areas. 

Thank you again for your help and support. The next bonus day is on March 13th 2013 - all donations to this project via www.globalgiving.org will be matched by 30%! We would be delighted if you could share this date with your friends, family and colleagues and help us to encourage more kind people to support this project.

With our best wishes,

Michael Braverman-Scult

"The future of this country will be determined by the education of its youth." - President Barack Obama, University of Rangoon, November 11th, 2012.

In 2012 we have witnessed the beginnings of significant political and economic reforms in Burma. More international NGOs are moving in to the country and national and community based organizations are able to operate more freely, strengthening their capacity and impact. It is an exciting time, and this program works directly with the young dynamic change-makers involved in human rights, good governance, education, and public health organizations to name a few. Strengthening young change-makers' English abilities and providing them the tools and skills they need to access quality higher education and professional development opportunities has never been more important.

The Exam Preparation Outreach Program (EPOP) has achieved many significant outcomes in 2012 and has made multiple improvements to the program. Over 150 students have successfully completed our courses this year and 140 students from Burma are enrolled in the current semester. Eighty students have achieved a TOEFL score necessary for university entrance and we expect that number to increase significantly at the end of this semester. Many EPOP students are currently applying for university scholarships, while others are pursuing professional opportunities.

"I just wanted write to say thank you because I got a new job where I need to speak English. The EPOP courses really helped me to improve my English skills. Thank you to all of the EPOP staff for this opportunity." -Thu Thu Ko

"My studies with EPOP have helped me a lot and I began a masters program in Thailand and all my courses are in English. I just wanted to share my experience and appreciation to EPOP for opening me up to this new journey." - Chin

EPOP, through its online platform and local partnerships, is continually working to expand its services to those working outside of the major urban centers of Rangoon and Mandalay. This semester EPOP has been able to serve 20 new students in Chin State and Kachin State. With your help, we hope to continue to expand our services in 2013 working towards progressive change through greater access to higher education. We thank you once again for your kind support for this important project and look forward to hearing from you if you would like any further information about this program.