In Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), many families live in remote villages far from the nearest town. Simple straw huts with bamboo walls are home to families who work long hours in the hot sun each day just to meet their basic needs. Communities continue to face the challenges of poverty and civil unrest, with 29% of children experiencing stunted growth due to malnutrition. Although education is mandatory, hundreds of thousands of children do not have access to school. For those who do attend, significant barriers often lead to six out of ten children dropping out before the age of 14.
Myanmar
Our work in Myanmar
In 1998 we were made aware of 14 orphaned children living in a shed with nothing to eat. We responded by opening our first children's home. Today, we are meeting the needs of hundreds of kids in our our purpose built children’s villages. We provide quality education and support for children who are most at risk while investing in teachers who inspire hope and opportunity. Together, we are raising a generation of young leaders who will change their communities for years to come.
1998
We adopted 14 orphaned children living in the Chin Hills in a shed on meager rations and built them a family home for adoptive parents to look after them
2003
When we became aware of the orphan crisis, we felt compelled to welcome 800 more children into our care. Despite the challenges, it was one of the best decisions we have ever made
2005
We purchased the Lois School, enabling Ciang, an incredible head teacher, to provide quality education for 500 children in need
2006
We started running summer camps for children in remote areas providing nutritious meals, fun games and medical care
2008
When Cyclone Nargis struck, claiming the lives of 100,000 people, we knew we had to respond. The Stand by Me mobilized immediately, providing life saving aid to more than 7,000 people for six months
2009
To care for children orphaned by Cyclone Nargis, we built Bethel Children’s Village, creating four loving homes where children could heal and thrive
2009
The Grace School opened its doors to provide an excellent education to over 300 children
2012
Our Alin Children’s Village was completed, allowing us to provide family style accommodation to many of our orphaned and abandoned children
2013
Sophia Academy was opened to provide quality education for children in need in the north, enabling 200 children to gain the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive
2017
The Mesha Children's Village opened. The two homes now provide a loving and comfortable environment for 20 children who were previously living without care
2021
During a period of civil unrest in Myanmar, Stand by Me has provided food parcels to help ensure families and children have the support they need to stay safe and nourished
2025
After a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, our local team provided life saving aid packages to more than 1,700 people who had lost their homes
Ruth, Naomi, Andrew, Khup
These are our kids in Myanmar. They're confident, smart and generous. We love watching them grow.
As a toddler, Ruth was found alone on the streets by a police officer. With no home or family to care for her, she was brought to our team for help.
We welcomed Ruth into our Children’s Home, where she has experienced the happy childhood every child deserves. She is surrounded by loving caregivers who treat her like family and enjoys playing with the other children she calls her brothers and sisters. Her best friend at the home is Samuel, who, like Ruth, was also found on the streets. Ruth is kind and caring and always looks out for the younger children around her.
Naomi was a special surprise. At just nine days old she was abandoned outside our home, with only a piece of a calendar to mark her date of birth.
We knew we had been entrusted with this precious gift of a lovely baby girl and we accepted her into our family and named her Naomi. From abandoned to accepted, from being alone in the world to having a family who adore her, Naomi’s life is now full of love. Her beautiful smile tells nothing of the difficulty that led to her becoming part of the family but shows the vast opportunity ahead of her and the joy and love that every child should experience.
When Andrew was just nine days old, Cyclone Nargis devastated his village. Sadly, he lost both of his parents, and his seven year old sister became his protector as they lived together in a small makeshift bamboo hut.
Andrew and his sister came to our Children’s Village, where they both received the care, support and love they needed. At first, Andrew was malnourished and afraid of other children, but through the care and encouragement he received, he learned to walk, talk and blossom into the happy, energetic child he is today. Andrew brings joy wherever he goes, making his friends laugh with his playful spirit. We love his bright smile, his eagerness to learn, and his excitement for all that life has to offer.
Khup lived with his four siblings, mother and grandparents in a small, simple hut. The family washed in the nearest stream and cooked meals over a wood fire.
Khup’s mother’s heart broke when her children went hungry, and she longed for the opportunity for them to receive an education. Then she heard about Stand by Me Children’s Village and the hope it could provide for her children. Khup and his siblings moved to the village, where their lives were transformed. Today, Khup loves learning at school. When he plays soccer with his siblings and friends at the Children’s Village, his laughter fills the air. Through loving, child focused care, Khup and his siblings are thriving and building a brighter future.