Education cannot wait: Empowering children's education
Naw Win, a 5-year-old girl with speech difficulties, resides in a small village in Hlaing Bwe Township, Myanmar. Her family depends on farming for their livelihood, with limited financial resources, making it challenging to prioritize education. In 2023, the World Vision Myanmar Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project enabled Naw Win to enroll in early childhood education (ECE) sessions.
Initially, Naw Win struggled to connect with her peers, often isolating herself and avoiding group activities like singing and storytelling. With the dedicated support of a village volunteer teacher and encouragement from her family, she gradually began to engage, showing interest in group activities. Over time, Naw Win gained confidence, participating in singing, drawing, and helping others during sessions.
Despite ongoing speech challenges, Naw Win has made remarkable progress in communicating and expressing herself. She now eagerly shares what she learns with her mother, marking significant growth. Her journey highlights the transformative impact of the ECW project in helping children overcome barriers and thrive in a nurturing learning environment.
Naw Win shares, “I feel happy at ECE sessions. I love drawing pictures and singing with my friends.” Her mother, Daw Myint, adds, “I’m deeply grateful for the support my daughter has received. This project has truly changed her life, and we are so thankful for this opportunity.”
The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project is part of World Vision Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities for children in remote areas, particularly those impacted by poverty and limited access to schooling. This project has brought early childhood education (ECE) sessions to the community, with a focus on helping children develop literacy skills and build self-confidence.
The village ECE program began in 2023 and provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for children like Naw Win. The programme is especially valuable for families like hers, where financial constraints often limit educational opportunities. Through the ECW project, Naw Win and other children in the village can attend these sessions free of charge.
The village volunteer teacher, who received training from World Vision, has been crucial in helping Naw Win. Initially, the teacher was concerned about Naw Win’s social withdrawal, but with more one-on-one attention and a focus on building trust, the child began to engage with the group. The teacher’s patience and dedication have contributed to Naw Win's development and growth.
Village Educators, like the one who supports Naw Win, received training in Unlock Literacy and Teacher in Conflict Context (TiCC) methodologies, which include strategies for inclusive education, social-emotional learning, and child protection. These trainings provide safe, inclusive learning environments for children who might otherwise lack access to education.
In addition to training, the project provides essential resources, such as educational kits and storybooks, enabling children like Naw Win to continue learning despite their families’ financial struggles.