INSIDE MYANMAR
Our current project is carried out in Buddhist Monastic Schools. The Monastic System predates the government system by many hundreds of years and contains what might be termed the essence of Burmese culture. The schools cater for some of the poorest children in the country and they offer an alternative to the government system which is now under the tight control of the military. These schools face many problems as they are poorly resourced and there is limited government support. Furthermore, the schools accept children from other ethnic areas who have been displaced by the war and who have very limited Burmese and local language. Often children are required to work for several months to supplement family income. In Mawlamyine many children work in the brickworks during the dry season. While this project originally started in Mon State we've extended it to the Ayerwaddy Delta and most recently we have shifted further to the Magway Region in north central Burma. There are many really dedicated teachers working in the monastic schools with some past retirement age but still delivering lessons. These individuals are inspiring. On the other hand, many teachers lack training.The shortage of teachers sometimes means that three grades are taught in one class on a roster system.
The MEP Institute in Myanmar uses mobile units of trainers to firstly deliver teacher training in a block session and then follow-up with regular onsite visits helping trainee's prepare lessons & demonstrate new techniques. This system has been highlighted in Save the Children International research reports as a most effective way of working in these situations. So as to achieve self-sustainability our aim is to train several Advance Skills Teachers (ASTs) who will take on the training of new staff as MEPI turns its focus to other schools and other areas.
Another major focus of MEP(I) is the Cambridge English course which leads to a much-coveted international certificate. This course is of particular importance as it provides teachers with the opportunity to experience the new techniques that we have introduced in our block sessions. Alongside the Teacher Training and Cambridge Certificate we also offer Management Training, Child Protection and Inclusivity courses.