In Myanmar, the issues of both access and quality of education must be addressed. UNESCO estimates that 2000 villages are located not less than three kilometres from the nearest school, without any school bus service. Considering the political situation in the country, it seems extraordinarily discouraged for an international NGO to intervene directly in the sector of basic education, unless intervening in the fields of early childhood or the informal sector that the government currently does not consider as its exclusive domain. In addition, there is a worrying recent trend towards a reduction in the effectiveness of the teaching system. Overcrowded classes, obsolete teaching methods and an absence of suitable material partly explain this trend. Aide et Action defined in 2005 a three year plan with our partner RDS. Our approach is to focus on the quality of education.

• To reduce poverty by providing access to literacy and knowledge to the community
• To improve the quality of education by reinforcing the access to schooling and health education for the school going age children, and the communities, with a preference given to the ethnic minorities
• To mobilize the members of the communities to widen their participation
• To organise skills and experience exchanges with the partners of AeA and the stakeholders to promote the quality of education in Myanmar

Setting up of a partnership with a local organization officially recognized by the local authorities Establishment of a model school and development of trainings in formal and non formal education Development of activities related to the promotion of reading.

PARTNER: Rural Development Society (RDS)
AREA OF INTERVENTION: Kalaw township

• Building of a school in Thitla village
  Started in September 2005, the construction of the school of Thitla was completed in July 2006. Teachers were trained with formal and non formal education. Approximately 125 primary school children are currently benefiting from this project.
• Building of community libraries
  In 2006, Aide et Action supported the creation of community libraries in the villages of Thitla and Mikla, and in the village of Ingaung in 2007. These community libraries have put pedagogical and cultural tools, as well as learning activities, at the disposal of both children and adults. These projects have been evaluated to have had a real impact on ethnic groups, by offering a tool to disseminate local knowledge and to learn

• Training teachers and educational stakeholders
  Considering the importance of the educational needs, training is essential in order to ensure that children receive an education of quality. Aide et Action is thinking of providing trainings for formal and non formal education, which will enhance children's chances of success.
• Improving the living conditions of the ethnic communities
  On top of these trainings in formal and non formal education, trainings on health issues and life skills education are planned for the chiefs and representatives of the ethnic communities. The latter are indeed essential to improve the living conditions of ethnic communities.