NZEI extends funding support for schools in India and Myanmar

NZEI Te Riu Roa recently approved a further year of funding support for schools in India and Myanmar, which are attended by around 1300 children in total.

“This funding support represents an act of solidarity with our colleagues in Tamil Nadu and Myanmar,” NZEI Te Riu Roa President Ripeka Lessels said.

“As educators, we know that protecting the right to education is a global responsibility, and we are proud to stand with the teachers and unions on the ground who are working tirelessly to sustain the future of their ākonga.”

UnionAid, the New Zealand union movement’s international development charity, said the $20,000 from NZEI Te Riu Roa will fund 16 “night homework centres” run by the Tamil Nadu Labour Union. These centres are attended by around 1300 children from Dalit and tribal communities.

The funds will also support a community school in southeastern Myanmar where 60 children of the Karen ethnic group are enrolled from kindergarten to Grade 4.

“Both projects provide life-changing opportunities for the children in these communities,” Mrs Lessels said.

At the Tamil Nadu education centres, learning coaches help children improve their skills in communication, reading, writing, and memory, while fostering an interest in maths and sciences.

In addition to providing a safe, supportive, and enjoyable learning environment, learning coaches encourage a positive attitude towards learning and support children, especially girls, to pursue higher education.

At Be Zine Community School, the children are taught languages (Karen, Myanmar, and English), maths, social sciences, and science. Art and music will be added to the curriculum this year.