Hope beyond circumstances for Win, in Myanmar
“Studying at the Learning Centre will make me happy.” This would be an encouraging statement to hear from any child, but when it comes from a young boy who has faced many challenges in his life, this is especially rewarding for the team from Viva’s partner, the Children’s Development Network Myanmar.
Photo credit: Children’s Development Network Myanmar
Win (name changed), who lives in a conflict zone in Myanmar, embodies resilience and determination. Every morning, despite some days being cold or dark, he rises at 5 a.m. to fetch watergrass, which he will later sell so the family can buy food. His father has been missing since he was young, and his mother is ill. His family experiences significant financial hardship, and there are daily struggles to meet basic needs. Despite his early mornings and the need for him to take on responsibilities that are beyond his twelve years, this has not deterred Win from attending the Learning Space in Myanmar, which is a programme run by the Viva partner network, Children’s Development Network Myanmar. Being part of the Learning Spaces has allowed him to receive encouragement and emotional support from mentors who have also nurtured his love for learning. One of the mentors observed that “the Learning Space has become integral to his life, providing a reprieve from financial pressures and a chance to focus on his studies without overwhelming stress and responsibility.”
Through his involvement in the Learning Space programme, Win is learning basic English as he acquires essential skills like time management and enjoys creative activities such as music and art. His growth is evident through his increasing confidence and ambition. “I want to be happy, and I think studying at this Children's Learning Space will make me happy. I completely forgot about my family problems while studying here with my friends.” Win’s transformation is both personal and communal: as he evolves from a burdened child into a confident, hopeful student, he is also motivating his peers to value education and strive for improvement. At the same time, his dedication to learning, alongside the work he has to do to enhance his family’s prospects, is inspiring a shift in his community towards valuing education.
Photo credits: Children’s Development Network Myanmar
His story exemplifies how meaningful progress can be seen when community support and individual perseverance combine in a Learning Space environment. Children’s Development Network Myanmar oversees Learning Spaces in four locations all impacted by conflict, together serving 200 children like Win. The network has trained the mentors and teachers, provides the curriculum and helps with planning and church engagement.
Viva is privileged to have the opportunity to walk alongside the Children’s Development Network to contextualise programmes to emerging needs and offer pastoral support via a Coach and attachment to a wider global community. Viva is also facilitating access to funding and creating opportunities for partnerships that will enable ongoing operations despite political instability in the region.
The number of international NGOs operating in Myanmar is reducing, and so it is the local, grassroots initiatives, such as Learning Spaces, which run from churches, that can be sustained. As the Children’s Development Network and Viva partner together, continued community engagement and regular mentorship will help ensure that Win and other children like him continue to thrive.