Read, Watch and Respond

Myanmar, a country in South East Asia

Yangon is the capital of the Yangon Region of Myanmar, also known as Burma

The Hakha Diocese

The Hakha Diocese is located in the mountainous region of Chin State in Myanmar. As Hakha is situated in a remote location, during the rainy season the mountainous roads become impassable with frequent landslides blocking off all access.

According to UNICEF, Chin State remains one of the least developed areas of Myanmar, with its school facilities largely inadequate. The government system of education relies mainly on rote learning; to study by heart all the prescribed lessons—focusing only on passing the examination—and discouraging critical thinking.

Education has always been paramount to the people of Myanmar. Prior to the 1962 military coup, government and religious schools coexisted in Myanmar,

offering a high standard of education which was among the best in Asia. When missionaries were expelled shortly after the military takeover, and schools were nationalised, a system of rote learning was introduced, which forces children to learn by heart, without giving them the tools to critically analyse the subject. When the nation’s bishops came together to prepare an agenda for the coming years, education topped the list. The Church is now opening schools and training teachers—namely in the child-centred approach—in an effort to return to the lofty standards of education Myanmar once enjoyed.

K-2 Resources

St John’s School, Hakha Diocese

Inside a classroom at St John’s.

Children in class

Children learning

A child with a teacher

St John’s School being built

What can you see in these photos taken at St John’s School?

What do you notice about how the students are learning?

What is similar/different to your school playground?

Watch the 360 VR “Myanmar – St John’s School” and…

www.WMM2018.cm.org.au/360-degree-vr.html

Talk about…

How are you the same as the children in Myanmar?

How are you different to the children in Myanmar?

Why do you go to school? Why is it important for all children to go to school?

Investigate:

Find Myanmar on a world map or google earth.

How big is Myanmar?

What shape is the country?

Is Myanmar near a coastline?

Are there beaches in Myanmar?

What countries are near Myanmar?

Draw or illustrate:

Your favourite part of being at school. You can include a picture of your friends, favourite lessons or games.

Creative activity

Jigsaw puzzle

Instructions

Print out the template on the following page on A3 paper

Glue the template onto cardboard

Use scissors to cut out the jigsaw pieces

Write on the back of the pieces what you love about school.