Early Years Education for Displaced Children in Myanmar

Ongoing conflict in Myanmar has displaced more than 3 million people within the country. The youngest children are sheltering in thick jungle and mountainous areas, some having only known life in the most remote displacement camps.

They are living through a largely unreported war; cut off from learning and support at the most vital time of their development.

Children on the Edge is the only organisation providing early childhood education in these outlying areas, ensuring quality care through safe, community-managed preschools, where displaced children can learn, play and recover from trauma each day.

Imagine dropping your child to preschool, and having to walk around an air raid bunker dug around the building to get to the door.

This is the situation for many parents living in wartorn states like Kachin and Kayah. They are surviving day to day through some of the most intense fighting in the country, facing regular aerial and artillery attacks and repeated displacement.

Partnering with local organisations; Kachin Women’s Association, Kachin Development Group and Karenni Women’s Organisation, we support 18 preschool centres.

The centres are nurturing, colourful spaces where children can play, have fun and receive essential nutrition and clothing. Being in a vibrant and caring place for a few hours a day gives them the opportunity to recover and develop into healthy young people.

Teachers are trained from within the camps and deliver exceptionally high quality learning environments, despite being cut off from resources. Local Committees and parents help to maintain the buildings, create play materials, provide nutrition and learn about parenting and child protection through regular workshops and training.

OUR IMPACT

800

displaced children accessing early years education

85

teachers trained from the remote camps

18

preschool centres equipped with locally made learning materials

Meet Kawn Ja Htoi Tsin

Five-year-old Kawn Ja Htoi Tsin attends one of the preschool centres supported by Children on the Edge. As a natural result of her early years living in a warzone, she used to be prone to outbursts of extreme emotions, and was reluctant to eat and play with other children.

Thanks to the care of her teachers, she now feels more secure. She is gentle and curious, asking lots of questions and learning many new words.

Her mother now describes her as a ‘cheerful child’, and Kawn Ja Htoi Tsin says she loves playing with her friends, singing songs and dancing.

Your donation can help children living in a warzone to recover and thrive.

Donate Now

Be the first to hear the latest news & stories

Play is vital to help children recover from trauma

"
"It takes extraordinary effort to heal broken hearts, and the Children of the Edge team's ability to be present, particularly in such an often-overlooked conflict area, is truly inspiring. The Children on the Edge team provides these children with a sense of belonging, a warmth of family, and a power of rootedness. We know how important this is to brain development and consequently to growing into healthy well functioning adults despite experiencing traumas associated with living in an ongoing conflict zone. We’re grateful to stand with a team that grows safe, nurturing spaces for these children and their families where hope can take root and blossom."
"

The Chao Foundation

Make a difference. Donate Today.

£2

Could pay for a months' worth of nutritious lunch for a child at our preschool centres.

£17

Could pay for a bundle of warm clothes, shoes and a rain coat for a child in Kachin.

£125

Can help educate a child in a safe space for a whole year.

YOU MIGHT LIKE

Supporting Communities in Kachin After Devastating Artillery Attack

In October 2023, an artillery attack in Kachin State, Myanmar destroyed the community of Munglai Hkyet, one of the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps we support in Kachin State. Find out what our partners have been doing to support those affected in the aftermath of the bombing.

Myanmar in Crisis: Protecting children with Early Childhood Education

Despite the uncertainty in Myanmar our preschool centres offer a safe space for young children, ensuring vital Early Childhood Development.

Why is Early Childhood Development Vital for Young Refugees?

Children on the Edge has been investing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) for marginalised children in different areas of the world since 2000.