FOCUS
Creating Economic Opportunities
Rebuilding Communities
MDGs ADDRESSED
MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
MDG 2: Achieve universal primary education
MDG 8: Create a global partnership for development
OVERVIEW
The country now known as Myanmar1 was formed when the British merged several ethnic lands with those of the Burmese. This forced union accelerated historic conflicts when British rule promoted some ethnic groups in an effort to maintain control of the Burmese majority group (representing 2/3 of the population). The earlier colonial power structure has exacerbated pre-existing conflicts which shape current struggles. Since the 1980s, the government has pursued a military campaign aimed at the defeat of ethnic minority groups who have been resisting the Burmese government since the time of independence. Health, education and essential services continue to deteriorate. Once one of the richest countries in Asia, with thriving international trade, it is now one of the poorest in the world and has one of the worst human rights records.
Myanmar is an ethnically diverse nation with 135 distinct ethnic groups officially recognized by the Myanmar government. There are eight major groups: 1) Kachin, 2) Kayah, 3) Kayin, 4) Chin, 5) Mon, 6) Bamar, 7) Rakhine, and 8) Shan.
Since 1988, most ethnic minority organizations have expressed support for democracy. But few leaders of the dominant ethnic militant groups regard democracy as an end in itself. Other key concerns are securing local political and administrative authority, further development of their regions, and the right to maintain and practice their language, culture and religion without constraints. Several groups have entered into ceasefire agreements with the government and been granted de facto administrative authority over areas under their control. The status of those agreements is precarious as renewed aggression results in more forced integration or resettlement of ethnic groups. Assimilation, as implemented by resettlement, property confiscation, and development schemes which alter traditional cultures through construction of dams, logging, etc. continue to threaten the traditions of minority ethnic groups.
Our PARTNER
Episcopal Relief and Development’s partner in Myanmar is the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmnar (CPM). There are six dioceses: Hpa-an, Mandalay, Mytikyina, Sittwe, Toungoo and Yangon. Given very limited resources, many of these activities rely on volunteerism. Volunteers are called mission workers and usually engage in community health or education activities.
Our CURRENT PROGRAMS
Episcopal Relief and Development is working with the Church of the Province of Myanmar to build its capacity to plan and implement development programs, including training diocesan staff and supporting various projects.
Creating Economic Opportunities
Episcopal Relief and Development is supporting individual diocesan projects. Due to the extensive internal displacement in the country, one of the key priorities of the church is to ensure the continued education of its youth.
- School materials, training and support for teachers serving in 13 schools allow over 600 displaced students to continue their education in the Diocese of Hpa’an.
- Micro-finance programs, training and technical assistance help families in the Pyay, Delta and Yangon areas earn additional income.
- Vocational training for 60 youth and young adults provides needed job skills in the areas of agriculture, sewing, computer, motorcycle and car repair, and carpentry.
- Support for school costs allows 345 students, including 100 primary level, 50 middle level, 40 high school, 10 university, 100 boarding students, and 135 day students to compete their education in the Diocese of Toungoo.
- New rice mills in 6 parishes create opportunities to increase income for families in the Diocese of Sittwe.
Rebuilding Initiatives
Episcopal Relief and Development is assisting the Church in rebuilding specific properties that were damaged in recent years.
- Rebuilding homes for 32 families who lost their houses in a fire in 2006.
- Constructing a water system that provides clean water supply for St. John’s parish and community in Paletwa.
1 This name is not recognized by the US government which still refers to the country as Burma, the name given by the British colonial government
