Classrooms by day, shelter by night
The sound of aircraft overhead in Myanmar no longer signals a growing travel industry, it signals fear, as families wait to see where the next bomb will fall.
Myanmar, where we care for over 2,200 children, continues to be ravaged by war. In the north, families live under the constant threat of aerial bombardment, where schools, churches and homes can be struck without warning. As conflict intensifies, for thousands the only choice has been to flee.
The town where we work has become a refuge for these displaced families as they seek safety with no possessions and no income. Parents search for shelter, food and work, while their children face the growing reality of a future without education.
But Stand by Me believes God has placed us in this town to step in and meet the needs. Moved by compassion, our team in Myanmar has opened the doors of our Grace School and Lois School as places of learning and refuge. Families who have lost everything are now finding shelter, food and aid within our school grounds.
Each evening, classrooms are transformed. Desks are moved aside and floors become sleeping spaces for families with nowhere else to go. By morning, those same rooms are reset, ready once again for lessons. In the midst of crisis, our classrooms are a sanctuary as well as a place to learn.
Today, around 100 displaced children are studying at Grace School, and a further 90 at Lois School. We have also employed teachers who have fled the conflict, joining us in providing education to thousands of children.
Our schools are dedicated to reaching children in the most difficult circumstances and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to live productive and fulfilling lives. For children who have experienced trauma and displacement, a place at our school enables them to learn in safety while rebuilding their lives. Our schools are a place where they can belong and find renewed hope as they return to their studies and joyfully take part in sports, music, Bible clubs and summer camps.
“We are so thankful to our supporters whose love, kindness and generosity cannot be expressed with words. Through your faithful help we can say “yes” to help the needy ones who come not only for education but for any needs.” – Ciang, Director of Lois School.
One family arrived from the Chin Hills after an outbreak of violence which left their house bombed. The family had watched as their home was reduced to rubble in a matter of moments. Left with nothing but their lives, they fled.
Today, they are starting again, thanks to the support of the Grace School where they currently live. The mother now works hard as our school janitor, and the father as a construction worker. They have five children and their two eldest sons work away from home, sending money back to support the family, while the three youngest have been given the chance to study at the Grace School.
Maa Thang, the third eldest, has just completed his Grade 12 exams, a remarkable achievement given all he has endured. While awaiting his results, he has been working as a labourer to help support his family.
His sister, Thian, will be entering Grade 10 and has already shown determination for her studies as she consistently ranks among the top students in her class. The youngest, Mercy, is beginning Grade 6, known by her teachers for her gentle nature and attentiveness in lessons. Despite everything they have lost, they have grasped the opportunity of an education and now have hope.
This is only possible because of the generosity of Stand by Me supporters, providing families like theirs with education, stability and dignity.
“Losing our home to the bombs was like losing our past and our future at once. Being here has given us our dignity back. Seeing our son work on the school and our daughters in the classroom makes us feel like we are finally rebuilding our lives.” – Maa Thang, Thian and Mercy’s parents.
Yet the need continues to grow as more displaced families search for schooling for their children. Although our schools have now reached maximum capacity, we cannot ignore the need or turn away children who are desperate for support.
We are providing “Students Kits” containing uniforms and essential materials to help over 100 displaced children attend local schools. Our Lois School is going a step further, building four new classrooms on rented land. This will create space for 120 additional children, ensuring those who would otherwise be left without education will have the opportunity to learn and regain hope.
As we pray for peace in Myanmar and an end to the destruction, we will continue to respond to the needs. Thanks to God’s provision and the generosity of our supporters, hope is reaching children whose lives have been devastated by the war and families’ lives are being rebuilt.