Amid Myanmar’s ongoing conflict and educational collapse under military
rule, Catholic nuns work tirelessly to educate marginalized children, bridging
gaps left by public school closures and providing knowledge and stability to
displaced communities.
“Ongoing conflict in Myanmar has resulted in a lack of
educational opportunities for over 4 million children,” according to the United
Nations. Almost four years after the military coup, civil war, economic
struggles, and displacement have compounded the crisis.
Public schools in Myanmar were closed for 532 days between 2020–2022 due to the pandemic, and the political unrest and ethnic wars following the February 1, 2021 military overthrew of the democratically elected government. While
schools reopened under military rule, many families withdrew their children to
avoid complying with the regime’s requirements. The “civil disobedience
movement” saw 30% of public-school teachers dismissed for their opposition to
the junta, exacerbating a nationwide shortage of educators. Consequently,
school dropouts have skyrocketed, and high school enrollment has plummeted.
Wealthier families have turned to private institutions,
primarily located in urban areas under military control. However, such options
remain out of reach for the majority of families, especially those in rural and
conflict-ridden regions. Online learning—introduced as a remedy—has failed to
bridge the gap, benefiting only a small fraction of children with access to
technology.
The United Nations and World Bank have highlighted
alarming trends, including a decline in enrollment among 6-to-22-year-olds from
69.2% in 2017 to 56.8% in 2023. Rural children and those from poorer households
have been disproportionately affected, leading to a massive loss of “human
capital” and a bleak future for Myanmar’s youth.
Catholic nuns
lead grassroots educational efforts
Catholic nuns have stepped up to
provide education and hope to children and youth in Myanmar, regardless of
their religious background. Congregations like the Sisters of the Good
Shepherd, the Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) are at the
forefront of these efforts.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd, active in Myanmar
since 1865, offer a range of services, including education, vocational
training, and leadership programs for at-risk women and girls. They have
established community initiatives in cities like Yangon and Mandalay, as well
as remote regions like Magyikwin, Loikaw, and Tachileik.
In Putao, Kachin State’s northernmost town, the Xaverian Sisters have been transforming lives for over 25
years. Their boarding program has supported 310 girls from rural villages,
providing them access to government schools and additional courses in English,
tribal languages, and tailoring. The SFX community has also established daycare
centers open to
children of all faiths, nurturing educated and skilled individuals who now
serve as teachers, nurses, and professionals. The Xaverian Sisters also provide early childhood education in
Karen State.
Similarly, the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of
Christians focus on educating girls from impoverished families in Chin State, and
included informal schools for displaced children, technical courses, and
language training for youth unable to access formal education systems.
Faith and resilience
in Myanmar’s Catholic community
Catholics in Myanmar represent just over 1% of the
population, primarily belonging to marginalized ethnic groups such as the Chin,
Kachin, Karen, and Karenni. Despite their minority status, Catholic
institutions have been instrumental in providing essential services, including
education, healthcare, and social development.
Myanmar’s Catholic Church consists of three
archdioceses and 13 dioceses, many dedicated to serving ethnic minority
communities. “Our faith has endured through hunger, hardship, and repressive
governments,” a church official said. “Education is a cornerstone of our
mission to uplift communities.”
The Catholic Church’s legacy includes establishing
schools and training centers that cater to both Catholic and those from the majority
Buddhist families. The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, for instance, have
built schools and educational programs across the country, ensuring access for
displaced and disadvantaged children. The Catholic nuns’ consolidated efforts offer
a glimmer of hope for the country’s youth. Their work not only provides
education, but also instills resilience and dignity in the face of profound
adversity.
Other initiatives have also emerged outside Catholic
circles. Some Buddhist monasteries also offer informal education to
impoverished children, while grassroots efforts like “Yay Chan Sin” in Yangon
provide schooling to 400 street children. However, these programs lack official
recognition, and their students face challenges in obtaining qualifications.