Kayah State (formerly Karenni State) is the smallest, least accessible and poorest of the 14 ethnic states in Myanmar. For many years, government forces conducted a policy of ethnic cleansing against the Karenni and other minority people groups. Ceasefires were signed in 2012, and nationwide in 2015, but ultimately proved fragile. Since the coup of February 2021, the Karenni people have once again faced the military might of their own government. 

How do you support remote, vulnerable minority communities in a complex, volatile nation?

Our grassroots approach gives local people the means to make their own choices.  Read more about the incredible dedication of our local partner  bringing education to these isolated, threatened communities.

What are the challenges?

Fifty years of conflict and neglect have left the region lacking in basic infrastructure. Challenges include poor transport and communication links, inadequate health care, widespread illiteracy and little or no social and economic development. Access to clean water is poor.

Malnutrition and treatable illnesses cause a high mortality rate. The number of schools, teachers and students in Kayah State is the lowest in the entire country.

The Karenni people had to live with murder, rape, violence and destruction of property. Forced from their land, many escaped to live in refugee camps deep in the jungle on the Myanmar/Thailand border. Those who stayed survive on subsistence agriculture, in conditions of poverty. The current conflict and the coronavirus pandemic have exacerbated these difficulties, creating high numbers of internally displaced people. Over half the population was believed to have been displaced by fighting by January 2022. According to the UN, more than 600 homes, churches, monasteries and schools were burned down or destroyed between May 2021 and January 2022,.

How can Global Care help Karenni children in Myanmar?

Global Care began supporting Karenni children and young people living in refugee  camps on the Thai border, including three orphanages and schools, in the 1990s.

When hostilities ended, our focus shifted to initiatives providing education to Karenni children living in District Two of Kayah State – an area previously designated a ‘free-fire zone’ by the army – impunity to shoot on sight!

Global Care is supporting one of the only high schools in this rural area. This allows young people who want to continue past primary education to stay in the district. It also enables them to continue education in the Karenni language – keeping Karenni language and culture alive for another generation.

A key part of our support has been to provide a small computer facility, offering a valuable window onto the wider world. A number of high school students live too far away to be able to travel home daily, and we support these students in boarding houses near the school, with food, clothes and toiletries. We are also supporting students whose families cannot afford to feed them adequately if they continue their studies. Finally, we are supporting teachers at a number of village primary schools, supplementing their meagre income with “helps” in the form of cash or rice.

We are committed to continue our support for disadvantaged Karenni communities, and applaud their determination to enable their children to access education, however difficult the circumstances. The current conflict means this work is continuing in volatile circumstances, with our local partner also supporting displaced families with limited resources.

How can I help Karenni children in Myanmar?

Why not become a Change-Maker for Karenni communities? Regular gifts improve sustainability by enabling our local partners to plan ahead,  develop the work further and support more families. Or you can make a one-off gift.. Your support is always welcome!

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