Rural families in Myanmar are often forced to choose between educating their children or being able to afford life’s necessities. Because food, fuel, and medicines take priority, they must sacrifice education at the ultimate expenseof their children.

To reduce the costs associated with education, the MYANMAR CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION (MCF) identifies children who are at risk for discontinuing school due to financial hardship. With the help of local monastic schools overseen by monks or nuns, MCF assists these families with costs incurred for school fees, uniforms, curriculum materials, and teachers’ salaries. This prevents the most vulnerable children from dropping out of school. When parents are relieved of financial burdens, children can continue to receive an education.