seven young children standing behind a railing in Kachin State Myanmar
Esther Smitheram

Written by Esther Smitheram

September 10th, 2026

This article takes 1 min to read

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“We carried the toys ourselves” - How Kachin families are rebuilding Early Years Education

Returning home after more than a decade in displacement camps means rebuilding entire communities from scratch. In the Kachin region, families are clearing land, building basic housing, and restoring public services from the ground up. Amidst this upheaval, parents are determined not to leave their children's early education behind. They are taking the quality Early Childhood Education model established in the camps and embedding it within their home villages at a vital time in their children's development. 

Children wearing flowers in their hair smiling holding signs

That commitment applies to every child, regardless of their situation.

In Ban Dawng village, Block 6 sits far apart from the other five blocks, making the trek to the central facility long and treacherous during the monsoon season.

Despite starting with just two children aged three to five in the block, the local committee have already established a dedicated centre, staffed by two teachers.

"Although we currently have only two early childhood children, they are vital for our future," says Mrs Lu San, a member of the local ECD Committee. 

Two teachers sitting with two children both smiling and holding up three fingers to show the children

"
Although we currently have only two early childhood children, they are vital for our future

ECD Committee member
Mrs Lu San
"

Parents sitting in a circle on benches looking at and writing on a piece of paper with a year plan on it

ECD committee members planning together

Meet Mai Send Lahtaw

When three-year-old Mai Seng Lahtaw began attending the centre in her village, there were tears at every morning’s drop-off, leaving her quiet and withdrawn. In response, her teacher, Ms Lu Nan, relied on techniques from the Early Childhood Education model to draw her out through structured play. As Mai Seng adapted to the classroom, her confidence grew, and she also began showing more empathy towards others.

"Mai Seng will now offer help to a friend who is struggling with building blocks, or give her toys to younger children to play with," says Ms Lu Nan. "She is also a more active learner than she was before."

Lahtaw Mai Seng playing with her friends

Mai Seng's father beams when he talks about her progress at home: "She sings the songs she has learned at the centre and tells us about her day and friends. She also likes to play with puzzles at home now."

For Mai Seng, she is clear about her favourite things. "I like dancing, and I love to eat noodles," she says. "I’m very glad to go to school. There, the teacher tells stories, and we play with friends every day."

lunchtime children sat at a table with bowls in front of them
Donate today to help children like Mai Seng access vital early years education
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Children at school lining up to wash their hands. The teacher is helping them pouring water over their hands

Maintaining the quality education they had in the camps throughout a complete community rebuild takes immense practical effort, but having experienced the benefits, parents and teachers are refusing to let standards slip. In Mali Kawng San village, residents dismantled their previous centre in Maga Yang camp and carried the entire collection of physical materials to their new site to rebuild.

"We took down the learning centre in Maga Yang camp and carried the building materials to Mali Kawng San, so we didn’t waste what you previously provided," a local teacher explains. "We were able to rebuild the centre quickly in just over one month. Now, it’s big enough for the number of children, and a friendly space."

A building during construction the roof is on and they have started building walls

"
We don’t waste your support; we carried the toys and play equipment from Maga Yang camp to this place. Children learn with these play supplies happily, and they love it.
"

A photo taken from above looking down at the buildings in Maga Yang camp

Maga Yang Camp where the community carried all of the materials when they left so they could rebuild the centre in their new village.

Children digging in the mud and playing with toys

Children playing with toys at the ECD Centre

Beyond early learning, basic wet-weather gear is provided to protect children during monsoon season. Every child receives a raincoat, wellies and a water bottle. "I like this water bottle," said one child in Ban Dawng village. "My bottle was old, and my mum didn’t have money for a new one. Thank you so much!"

A child holding a parcel with a new water bottle and raincoat and wellies
Donate today to support communities in Myanmar who are determined not to leave their children's early education behind.
Donate now

seven young children standing behind a railing in Kachin State Myanmar

We’d like to say a special thank you to Chao Foundation and Transparent Fish Fund for their ongoing support of this work.
Chao Foundation and Transparent Fish Fund Logos

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