Sue Myat is from a village 100km from Mandalay on an island in the Irrawaddy River. Her parents separated when she was six. She lived with her paternal grandparents until they sent her to this school two years ago so she could get a better education.
“I’m very happy here. I can learn many things. I wouldn’t get that opportunity in my village. I enjoy staying here with many friends. There are many opportunities for me.
“For example, I’ve learnt from previous students that if they pass matriculation exams [high school graduation exams] they can get scholarships to study in medical school.
“I’d like to be a doctor. At the same time I’d like to be a famous singer. There are events here that I like to sing at. I like all kinds of music.
“What I like most about the school is that we are really encouraged to participate in competitions and perform in events with other schools. Also we can use the library at any time. It has good lighting. In my village we have to use candles.
“Before arriving here, I’d never seen a computer. Now I know it’s very important to getting ahead in the 21st century. So I’m very happy to be learning computer skills and English.
“On the computer, I like browsing photos and making and managing files. I also like graphic design.
“There are a limited number of computers. We have to use one computer for two students and there is limited time. I’d like more computers and more time for computer training.
“I’d also like there to be more trees in the compound. In my village there are lots of trees.
“In my spare time I like singing, reading, writing, playing and looking out to the mountains (of Shan State).”
Venerable U Tayzadipati (pictured above) is a senior monk and founder of a street children’s refuge in Sagaing region. He set up the centre in 2009 after he become concerned for the plight of the growing number of street children in the community.
“It is not so different here from other towns but it has more street children because of the railway station. People arrive here by train from Mandalay and Yangon,” says U Tayzadipati.
“Many poor families moved here after they were pushed out of slums in the bigger cities. Some are involved in prostitution, drugs and crime.”
U Tayzadipati approached local schools about taking street children but the schools refused as they were concerned about behavioural problems and age differences between street and other children. So he decided to set up a centre for non-formal education.
“The children are unstable, in terms of their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Before they come to the centre, most of the children, some as young as five, have been working,” he explains. “Many develop bad habits such as drinking, smoking, sniffing glue, fighting and stealing.”
When the children first arrive at the centre they are often tough and hostile. “On the streets they have to protect themselves to survive, so when they come here they are aggressive and fight most of the time. Because of their situation, every child holds weapons when they come here. They do not trust anyone. It is only after a year of being here that they let go of their weapons.”
U Tayzadipati and his team are very patient with the children, especially in their first year at the centre, but they do have rules they must obey.
“They must take responsibility for cleaning, cooking and gardening in the morning. The children take it in turns to do these tasks,” he says.
“We tell the children: if you want to participate, you must stay the whole day. You cannot go out. Otherwise there is no food. Little by little they understand and change their bad habits.”
