English Language Classes in Indawgyi
Over the last few years, countless education projects have popped up all around Myanmar. Many of these initiatives are sponsored by international organizations and provide incredible opportunities for students to have access to education. However, the vast majority of these programs are confined to urban areas. Students must leave their homes if they want to take advantage of them.
Students Working Hard in Class
Unfortunately, many young people simply don’t have the resources to do this. This has created a significant education gap as lower-income students along with those who need to remain in their communities for other reasons, don’t have the same access to the advantages of education.
A Commitment to Rural Development
Face of Indawgyi’s core mission is to create a better model for rural development. We are channeling the innovative ideas we’ve seen around Myanmar and the region and bring them to Indawgyi. In this vein, we introduced the first full-time English language class at Indawgyi Lake in April of this year.
Heading Down to the Lake
It’s difficult to understate the importance of English education in Myanmar. Proficiency in the language opens a world of possibilities for students. Not only can it connect them to higher paying jobs, but it also unlocks educational and other opportunities.
Working Together to Reach Educational Goals
Our first class is a pilot program. We selected five students who have completed high school to take the course. The class is three days per week and completely free. Students only need to pay for their course materials (2,000 MMK).
Sut Mai Aung at Myitsone, Kachin
Sut Mai Aung, a graduate of Pinnya Tagar’s teaching program, leads the course. Among his many other specialities, Sut Mai Aung has taught English classes in his village for over three years.
Like our other projects, the main purpose of this course is to better understand the needs of the local community and how can we work together to achieve measurable and realistic goals. Of these initial five students, we plan to hire and train two of them to become part of the Face of Indawgyi team
From here, we plan to open more language and other skills classes. We are committed to helping students find jobs whether with us or other local organizations and businesses.
Sut Mai Aung teaching the students
Come On By for a Chat With Our Students
This first class has been our first major education project. Over the next year, we will continue to create and refine courses as work to build the hotel training school. Our goal is to create an education hub for the Indawgyi Lake region not only focused on tourism, but computer, agricultural, language, and other professional skills.
Students showing off their English-language skills
Classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 PM at the Face of Indawgyi office. If you find yourself in Indawgyi, the students are always happy to have the chance to speak with visitors so please come by for a chat!