Rural Self-Managed Schools Initiative
Nanmiao Huayu Project
Introduction to Nanmiao Huayu School
Nanmiao is a secluded village nestled in the forests of northern Myanmar. Historically thriving due to coal mining under British colonial rule, the village fell into decline with the end of colonialism and the collapse of the coal industry. Today, it lacks basic infrastructure and accessible roads, reachable only by motorbike or on foot. The village is home to ethnic minorities with unique languages and cultures, yet their limited proficiency in Chinese presents significant barriers to education and employment opportunities. The nearest city, Lashio, serves as a gateway to broader opportunities, where Chinese proficiency is often a prerequisite for work and integration.
Years of isolation have left the village with scarce educational resources, making access to learning opportunities particularly precious for local children. The villagers aspire for their next generation to break free from these limitations, viewing education as the key to transforming their future. In the autumn of 2019, we established a primary school in Nanmiao, symbolizing hope for the community. Starting with a simple bamboo classroom and a tin roof, the school became a beacon for five nearby villages and 250 households. Students travel up to five kilometers to attend classes, and despite 40% of them being able to pay only half the tuition and 60% struggling with timely payments, we remain committed to ensuring every child has access to a basic education.
Through the establishment of this school, we has gradually earned the villagers’ trust, extending the impact of education into various aspects of their lives. In 2022, the team installed a water purification system at the village’s community center, significantly improving living conditions and strengthening the bond between the school and the community.
In May 2023, the school was renamed Nanmiao Huayu School. Today, it not only serves as a learning space for children but also as a spiritual anchor for the villagers. The village chief frequently consults the principal and teachers on critical development matters, such as new road planning and festival coordination. Despite being supported by just three teachers educating over 100 students, the school continues to sow seeds of hope in this humble land.
Milestones
• Summer 2019: Construction of the bamboo classroom • Autumn 2019: Nanmiao Hope Primary School officially opened • Summer 2022: Water purification system installed at the community center • Autumn 2022: Construction of a new school building • Spring 2023: Completion of the new school building and renaming as Nanmiao Huayu School
Mongong Huayu Project
Introduction to Mongong Huayu School
Mongong, also known as Mangong, is a suburban area located north of Lashio. Compared to Nanmiao, Mongong offers better accessibility. However, its residents are primarily displaced families who have settled here in search of stability following the political unrest in Myanmar. Since February 2021, escalating conflicts have driven a large influx of people into surrounding areas, turning Mongong into a community of around 200 households.
Language barriers have become the primary obstacle to children’s education. Without a Chinese-language school nearby and with distant schools being too far and inconvenient, many children, especially those from farming families, have been left out of school. Some children, even in their teenage years, remain illiterate.
The ongoing conflict has further exacerbated the lack of educational resources. Myanmar’s government has been unable to construct new schools or maintain existing facilities. Frequent class suspensions, teacher salary disruptions, and safety concerns have made parents hesitant to send their children to school, fearing for their well-being.
In a region scarred by conflict and instability, Mongong Huayu School has become a sanctuary for children to learn and grow. It offers them “a place to go and something to do,” fostering a sense of stability in their lives. Beyond being an educational institution, the school serves as a unifying force for the village. During festivals, the campus becomes a gathering place for celebrations, and teachers’ voices play a vital role in shaping the community’s development. The school has rekindled hope in this land deeply affected by war and poverty.
Milestones
• Autumn 2022: Construction of the school building
• Spring 2023: Mongong Huayu School officially opened
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2F, No. 58, Minzhi Road, Longtan District, Taoyuan City
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Office 03-4115065 or 0976-359-006
Fundraising number:
Ministry of Health Rescue No. 1131364396
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