While the conflict in Myanmar continues to rage after five long years, you are shining light in the seemingly unending darkness. Your gifts have funded a new Christian school, helping 170 children from Christian families caught up in the hostilities.
Grade 4 pupils at a Christian school in Myanmar funded by Barnabas Aid
“They are learning how to pray, worship, and trust God. It brings peace to my heart.”
These were the words of Mrs “Shway”, whose daughter and two sons attend a Christian school in Myanmar funded by Barnabas Aid’s supporters. The school is based in a Christian-majority area of the country that has suffered greatly from armed conflict and persecution.
“Without this school, we could not have sent them anywhere for education, because we lost everything in the war,” continued Mrs Shway.
“Thank you for your donations, and we thank God for this opportunity. It means so much to us.”
Five years since the Myanmar military coup
The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) seized power in a coup on 1 February 2021 by overthrowing the democratically elected government Aung San Suu Kyi.
Persecution of Christians, already deeply rooted, has intensified in the civil war that followed. The Tatmadaw has repeatedly attacked and bombed Christian villages, leaving countless families internally displaced and children without access to formal education.
A church building in Kayah State that was attacked by the Myanmar military in 2022 [Image credit: Irrawaddy]
So far the new school has provided education for 170 children from Christian families (68 boys and 102 girls) aged 5 to 13, covering the years from kindergarten to grade 6. Many of the families could not afford to send their children elsewhere because of the impact of war and displacement.
These children now benefit from education, stability, and Christian fellowship through the school, which serves as a safe place for learning and spiritual growth.
How are the children being helped?
“Through this grant, we were able to provide [the children] with uniforms, learning materials, and a safe place to learn and grow in faith,” Barnabas Aid’s project partner reported.
“Christian values are being taught alongside academic subjects,” he added, “and the project has brought unity and purpose among local believers who volunteer and support the work.”
Read more: Church building damaged and homes destroyed by Myanmar military
The impact on the pupils’ academic general wellbeing has been immense. “The children have become more confident, joyful, and spiritually nurtured,” the partner continued.
“We are deeply grateful for the difference this support has made – not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally.”
“This school gives us hope again”
Mr “Myaing”, whose daughter is in kindergarten, relayed her joy in attending the school. “She wakes up early and is eager to go every day. I see her becoming more confident, and she prays regularly now.
The children of Grade 3. Parents report that children are growing in their faith as well as gaining important skills and knowledge 
“Our family was displaced and left with nothing,” he continued. “This school gives us hope again.
“Thank you for remembering us.”
How else is Barnabas Aid helping Christians in Myanmar?
Since 2005 Barnabas has funded practical aid for persecuted and impoverished believers in Myanmar. Where possible we have also provided support to those Myanmar Christians who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
This aid has continued since the 2021 coup and the increase in anti-Christian persecution that has followed.
Projects have included distribution of food and other essentials to believers displaced by violence, the funding of medical care in a Christian-majority region of the country, and – God willing, in the near future – the provision of pigs and chickens as part of a sustainable farming initiative.
How you can pray
Thank you for providing the vital gift of education to these young Christian brothers and sisters. Join us in praising our God, who made this possible.
- Praise the Lord for providing the precious gift of education to Christian children in Myanmar (Proverbs 22:6).
- Pray for wisdom, joy and encouragement for the staff as they deliver their programme in ways that best suit the children’s needs.
- Ask Him to continue to bless the children, protect them from harm, and enable them to grow spiritually, mentally and physically as they pursue their studies in this loving environment. Pray that many lives will be shaped by God’s presence in this school for years to come.
- Ask the Lord to bless Barnabas Aid’s continuing efforts to support persecuted Myanmar Christians, and pray that there will soon be peace throughout the country.
Project reference: 75-810 (Myanmar General Fund)
