One of our endeavours is to support promising and motivated youngsters who pursue further education to improve their own chances in life and help their families and their community. In 2020 our partner told us about 5 motivated students who have been given the opportunity to study in quality schools in and around the Thai-Myanmar area. However, the families of these students have no opportunity to raise the funds to cover the additional living expenses which are not covered by the school.

The authorities required the closure of all educational institutions for two months from March 2020, thus delaying the school year until May 2020. During this time, students were expected to return to their home villages but many were not able to do so – their homes are up to 48 hours travel away across the border, which was closed. We also found emergency funding to support these students during this time.

The initial project has now expanded to cover 11 students, all desperately needing support for living expenses to continue their studies.

Wide Horizons is located in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. The Wide Horizons school was established with the mission to build the capacity of young adults from Myanmar to work effectively in civil society organisations. WH offers a two-year educational programme, divided into a year of academic studies and a work placement.