When economic hardship struck her family, 14-year-old Thun Than feared she would have to leave school. Living in Yangon, she watched her parents struggle to afford even the most basic necessities as prices continued to rise. School supplies became impossible for her family to buy.
“Everything became too expensive, and I knew my parents were worried. I started thinking maybe I should stop studying and find work instead,” she shared.
Her story reflects what many children across Myanmar experienced. As jobs disappeared and inflation grew, families had to make difficult choices about their children’s schooling. Dropout rates increased, especially among the most vulnerable families.
To prevent these children from losing their chance to learn, Good Neighbors Myanmar supported 7,648 children across 10 Community Development Projects with complete school kit sets. Each child received a dozen exercise books, a sturdy backpack, and a reusable lunch box. These items were simple but essential and made it possible for children from low-income families to enroll again.
“Knowing that we would receive school supplies made me feel hopeful again,” Thun Than said. “I felt that maybe I could continue learning after all.”
Thun Than received her new school bag, notebooks, and lunch box too. These eased the financial pressure on her parents and allowed her to enroll for the new school year.
I was so happy when I held my new school bag. My dream to continue school came true.
Today, she is attending Grade 8 and no longer worries about having the materials she needs and is determined to study hard.
Across all project areas, children were able to enroll and access school services this academic year. For many families, the school kits removed the a barrier to education and protected children’s right to learn.
Good Neighbors believe that every child deserves the chance to stay in school and dream for a better future. Your support can help more children like Thun Than continue their education.
Be a good neighbor today and help more children continue learning like Thun Than: https://www.goodneighbors.org/donate
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
For further information, please contact Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center.
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