Let 100 girls form the future of Myanmar

Lin Thu Hein, the Co-Executive Director of Atutu, has sent us an update on recent developments at the Atutu Learning Center in Kachin.

“At the intersection of the Covid 19 pandemic and a military coup, the Atutu Learning Center has had to adapt to the changing circumstances to continue serving the marginalized women in communities of Kachin.

Since the schools have been shut down and exams have been cancelled, the Learning Center's Academic Programs have been put on hiatus until further notice. This was a devastating, but a necessary decision for the students. The students who've been studying year round to retake the 10th Standard Exams have missed their opportunity. The majority of the students from the original cohort who went home due to Covid 19 remain at home. Only a couple dozen of students remain at the Learning Center, some boarding on site, and some commuting from the neighborhood.

The commitment of the Learning Center, led and managed by women volunteers and nuns, to the protection and development of young women in Kachin remains unchanged. They have pushed forward the Digital Skills Training Program and started the implementation of a Life Skill Program (sewing and tailoring) for a small portion of students who remains at the Center.

Both programs have graduated their first cohort of Computer Class and Sewing Class students and are looking to continue providing lessons for women in Kachin.”

Thanks to your support, the Tekkatho Foundation has created a digital library for the students at Atutu to help them continue on their educational journeys.  We are continually inspired by the resilience and creativity of the Atutu Learning Center, who embodies the "for us, by us" approach Atutu aims to foster in communities around the world.