Community-based learning in Chin state helps children overcome education challenges
I used to be scared of mathematics, but now that I’ve been taught from the basics, I think I’m no longer scared of it.” Muang Nu, a Grade 3 student
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Niang Suan Muang, or Muang Nu, is a 9-year-old third-grade student from a village located in the conflict-affected Chin State near Myanmar's northern border with India. In this remote area with challenging transportation, persistent political conflicts have led to significant shortages in education and other essential services for children like Muang Nu, with one in three primary school children and half of secondary school children facing barriers to access any form of education at all.
The Quality Basic Education Pathways for Children in Myanmar (QBEP4C project), funded by Finland, EU and DFAT, addresses this issue by offering continuity in learning activities and establishing alternative education pathways for 78,823 children – including Muang Nu - across 39 townships in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Chin, Kachin, Magway, Rakhine, Sagaing, and Shan.
For a dedicated student like Muang Nu, her daily routine looks like this; she wakes up at 6:30am to prepare for school before heading to school at 9am till 1pm, when she returns home to help the family with chores, before heading off again to the community learning center from 4pm to 8pm.
Having double shifts of learning might seem exhausting for a young child like Muang Nu, but she says, “I don’t mind going to additional classes after school because the classes are engaging, and it has helped me a lot with my mathematics.”
She is an avid reader, with a special liking for the Myanmar language, however, her weakness lies in mathematics. She has expressed a lot of concern for mathematics but now with the help of open learning materials, she says, "Thanks to my teachers and the fun learning stuff at the community center, Maths is easier for me now. I even find it kind of fun!”
Understanding the difficulties faced by children struggling with the basics of various subjects, community teachers have dedicated themselves to building a strong foundation in each subject. They utilize open learning materials to ensure that learning is approached without fear, even when dealing with weaknesses.
Muang Nu regularly frequents the community library outside of school hours to spend time reading illustrated storybooks. This habit significantly helps her improve her reading speed, spelling, and understanding of sentences. It also brings her closer to her ambition of being a pastor.
The benefits of the community learning center extend far beyond children’s education.
"Since Muang Nu started going to the community learning center, I don't have to push her to study anymore. She's got her own study schedule, and meeting up with friends at the center also adds to her learning experience."
Muang Nu’s mother adds, “I also was at a loss for finding ways to help her understand Mathematics better, as my knowledge is also quite limited. Open learning books have helped a big deal. She no longer needs my help so I can focus more on my household tasks and farming.”
Muang Nu's mom is grateful for the project for helping kids with their education in their village, especially during tough times like COVID-19 and the political instabilities. Thanks to the community learning center and learning resources, children like Muang Nu can be more independent in their studies, relieving families from concerns about guiding through difficult school phases. From struggling with math to enjoying it, Muang Nu's story shows how effective teaching methods can help children in more ways than one.
