Since 1989 Prospect Burma has invested in the future of Myanmar through education. The impact of our education programmes starts with our students and has far-reaching consequences, not just throughout the country but globally. Equipped with vital skills and expertise, our alumni go on to achieve incredible things, and to facilitate the transformation of Myanmar through the application of their skills in the country. Take a look below to see the ways our students and graduates are making an incredible impact within Myanmar and beyond.

The Prospect Burma multiplier effect

Education is one of the most powerful ways to reduce poverty and improve health

If a country’s population is educated an average of one extra year, its annual per capita GDP growth gets a 25% boost, from 2% to 2.5%

For every year an individual spends in education, their potential earnings go up by 10%

A baby born to a mother who has received an education is 50% more likely to survive past its 5th birthday

A woman’s earning potential will be up to 20% higher for every year of schooling she completes.

It starts with an individual, and ends with community

“Nothing is impossible in life if we all try our hardest.”

Nan……..

Fighting for education: One young woman’s story (identity withheld to protect her safety)

The sad loss of her father at age 7 had a big impact on Nan………’s life. Instead of spending her time studying and playing with school friends, she had to work throughout her childhood and there wasn’t money for her education. She was an excellent student and loved to study, and Nan…….. knew how important education was for her future. She studied hard to gain qualifications that would take her to Mawlamyine University, Myanmar where she studied English with support of local education organisation. With the support of Prospect Burma, she secured a place at Assumption University in Thailand to study Nursing Science. During this time, she also became a part time volunteer health educator and health survey data collector.

In 2010, Nan…….. began work with an organisation called Imagine Thailand Organisation, where she was responsible for implementing health and wellness programmes for the Myanmar migrant schools on the Thai-Myanmar border.

However, throughout her time working in and studying healthcare, Nan…….. noticed an increase in the population of homeless elderly people. She told us that: “Around 70% of households in have a child living abroad or on the Thailand border line. Many children are not sending any money home and the parents start to struggle alone with their own health and mental health issues…Unfortunately, there is no elderly home in my home state of Kayin.”

Nan…….. developed a plan to put the knowledge and skills gained from her education to help implement better “health care policy and provider payment systems” in Myanmar. She particularly wants to focus on “healthcare delivery”, especially in the care of elderly people. She has graduated with a Master in Public Health and can now focus on bringing her dreams to life. Despite her difficult early years, her hard work and determination have helped her to gain vital skills and qualifications, which Myanmar so desperately needs.

Since our foundation in 1989 we have supported the education of over 1,300 Myanmar students and enabled them to qualify as nurses, public health workers, teachers, journalists, engineers, human rights specialists, lawyers, and much more. We support English language courses inside Myanmar to enable more students to gain admission to higher education courses abroad.

Some of our alumni have gone on to work for non-government health and education organisations inside Myanmar and with refugees on the borders, as well as for campaigning organisations for human rights, freedom of speech and democracy in Myanmar. Others have gone on to higher research and teaching positions, or are adding professional experience to their qualifications until they are able to return to Myanmar.

“We have one thing set in our hearts: our country will need us dearly one day, and the future of Burma is in our hands. Prospect Burma plays a vital role in making our dreams come true and building our future democratic Burma.” A Prospect Burma change maker

Our success stories

Figures from:

https://www.buildon.org/2014/09/infographic-the-global-education-crisis/
http://blogs.worldbank.org/education/education-is-fundamental-to-development-and-growth