Welcome to the remarkable journey of ADRA’s BRIGHT project in Myanmar, where Cho Thel, Senior Project Manager and a native of the country, shares her experiences and observations. BRIGHT, or Breaking Barriers, Improving Girl’s Education, Hope, and Totality, is making significant strides in remote villages, dismantling obstacles to education and fostering positive change.
Challenges in Myanmar’s Remote Areas
In the heart of Myanmar, BRIGHT addresses the unique challenges faced by communities residing in remote areas. The complex political landscape, armed militias, and ethnic diversity create an environment of fear and mistrust. Many inhabitants are deemed stateless, lacking access to basic services such as healthcare, due to their unrecognized citizenship status.
Cho Thel, with her deep understanding of Myanmar’s social fabric, visited six villages to witness the stark reality. These communities, with approximately 50 households each, face economic hardships, relying on barter systems for survival. Civil conflict has led to a high dropout rate among children, leaving them vulnerable to military recruitment and human trafficking.
ADRA’s BRIGHT Project Pillars
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Reducing Gender-Related Barriers: BRIGHT focuses on empowering girls, challenging traditional norms.
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Building and Improving Education Systems: The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) provides a pathway for essential skills, compressing primary education subjects in the first year and offering choices in the second year.
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Providing Livelihood Opportunities: BRIGHT extends beyond the classroom, creating a holistic approach to community development.
Community-Based Approach and Stability
In the wake of the 2021 military coup, ADRA distances itself from the current government, focusing on direct collaboration with local communities. BRIGHT schools employ teachers from these communities who speak the local language. Stipends are provided, and parents contribute by supplying educators with food, instilling a sense of ownership over education.
The livelihood program addresses the instability caused by people leaving the country due to conflict. By making it more viable for individuals to stay in their communities, BRIGHT contributes to local stability and development.
Empowering Women and Men
With men engaged in guerilla warfare, women assume key leadership roles at home. BRIGHT seizes this opportunity to engage women in leadership training and gender-based violence sensitization. Simultaneously, men in the communities are empowered to be advocates for gender equality, creating a balanced and supportive environment.
Widespread Impact and Future Endeavors
The success of BRIGHT has sparked interest from neighbouring communities in Sudan, Myanmar, and Niger, showcasing its potential for widespread impact. While requiring additional funding for expansion, the results thus far indicate a venture worthwhile. We couldn’t have done this project without your support and the support of Global Affairs Canada
