Build a School in Burma
2024 Annual Update
Introduction
We are pleased to present this annual report to our donors, whose generous support has been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities for migrant children in Myanmar and along the border in Thailand. Your contributions have enabled significant progress in constructing new schools and renovating existing facilities, addressing critical humanitarian needs and fostering hope in communities affected by displacement.
Project Overview
Over the past year Build a School in Burma has successfully embarked on a two pronged initiative to construct new schools and renovate existing educational buildings. This initiative aimed to provide a safer, more conducive learning environment for migrant children, who face unique challenges due to the threat of conscription and conflict in their homeland. BSB’s efforts have focused on regions severely impacted by conflict and economic hardship.
Key Achievements
BSB has successfully completed three new schools with five more under construction. These schools are strategically located to serve high-density migrant populations and provide much-needed educational facilities. For students living in remote or conflict-affected areas, constructing a new school building with a dormitory can provide not only access to education but also creates consistent learning opportunities and reduces dropout rates. At the same time, these efforts help protect lives by locating students away from conflict zones and creating a stable and supportive educational environment, crucial for the psychological and emotional well-being of children. The school can be a safe space and provide continuity in their education.
Each new school includes well-constructed classrooms, school furniture, a water source, sanitary facilities and where appropriate, solar powered lighting. The buildings are designed with durability and safety in mind, featuring energy-efficient lighting and ventilation to ensure a comfortable learning environment in locally appropriate facilities.
Classroom conditions in old school building and new school under construction at Bel Thaw Lo, Kayah State
Old and new classrooms at Rocky Mountain Learning Center (School) near Mae Sot, Thailand
We have renovated Myanmar migrant learning centers (as the schools are called in Thailand), improving infrastructure and upgrading essential facilities. Renovation includes repairing damaged structures, expanding and upgrading classrooms and improving sanitary facilities.
Kindergarten children singing in renovated classroom in refugee camp near Mae Hong Son, Thailand
New facilities have led to a significant increase in student enrollment in the target areas, demonstrating the immediate impact of providing accessibility to education and helping save lives of the children who flee to Thailand. Approximately 1400 students are benefiting schools completed this year and last:
In addition to providing school buildings, the installation of solar lighting in schools and dormitories greatly benefits students by improving study conditions, enhancing safety, promoting sustainability, and ensuring a more conducive learning environment. It is particularly important in remote areas where electricity might be unreliable or unavailable. This can result in better academic performance as students have more time and better conditions to focus on their studies.
New solar powered lighting
We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, whose commitment and generosity have made these achievements possible. Your support has had a profound impact on the lives of Myanmar migrant children, offering them hope and a brighter future through education. We look forward to continuing this vital work together and achieving even greater successes in the coming year. Thank you.