Naw Win, a 5-year-old child with speech difficulties, lives in Tha Di Kho village in Hlaing Bwe Township, Myanmar. Her family relies on farming for their livelihood and has limited financial resources, which made it difficult to prioritize education. When the World Vision Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project was introduced in 2023, Naw Win was enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) sessions.
Naw Win:“I feel happy when I go to the ECE sessions. I like drawing pictures and singing songs with my friends.”
At first, Naw Win struggled to engage with her peers and often preferred isolating herself, avoiding group activities like singing and storytelling. However, with the support of the village volunteer teacher and encouragement from her family, Naw Win began to show interest and gradually participated in group activities. Her confidence grew as she started to sing songs, draw pictures, and assist others during the sessions.
Shee Wah Paw (Village Educator): “Seeing Naw Win Lae Lae Thin grow in confidence and actively participate has been a rewarding experience. Her transformation is a testament to the program’s success.”
Though Naw Win still faces speech challenges, she has become more confident in communicating and expressing herself. She now shares what she learns with her mother, a significant improvement. Naw Win’s transformation is a powerful example of how the ECW project is helping children overcome obstacles and thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Daw Naw Sein Myint (Mother): “I am grateful for the support my child received. This project has made a real difference in her life, and we are thankful for the opportunity.”
About Education Cannot Wait
The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project in Tha Di Kho village is part of World Vision's ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities for children in remote areas, particularly those impacted by poverty and limited access to schooling. This project has brought early childhood education (ECE) sessions to the community, with a focus on helping children develop literacy skills and build self-confidence.
The Tha Di Kho ECE program began in 2023 and provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for children like Naw Win. The program is especially valuable for families like hers, where financial constraints often limit educational opportunities. Through the ECW project, Naw Win and other children in the village are able to attend these sessions free of charge.
The village volunteer teacher, who received training from World Vision, has been crucial in helping Naw Win. Initially, the teacher was concerned about Naw Win’s social withdrawal, but with more one-on-one attention and a focus on building trust, the child began to engage with the group. The teacher’s patience and dedication have contributed to Naw Win Lae Lae Thin’s development and growth.
Village Educators, like the one who supports Naw Win, received training in Unlock Literacy and Teacher in Conflict Context (TiCC) methodologies, which include strategies for inclusive education, social-emotional learning, and child protection. These training provide safe, inclusive learning environments for children who might otherwise lack access to education.
In addition to training, the project provides essential resources, such as educational kits and storybooks, enabling children like Naw Win to continue learning despite their families’ financial struggles.