Papua New Guinea

published in EmergencyHope Spots 2024 on June 14, 2024

Hope Spot 21 – How you can be a star – SIX TIMES

Your support is helping children access education in Myanmar


I am very old-fashioned.

 

I still like reading newspapers.

 

The real ones, printed on paper.

 

Last weekend, I read a double page spread on Myanmar, titled:

 

Myanmar’s ‘lost generation’
fights back in this forgotten war

 

Sadly, you weren’t mentioned – but as you will see from the story i will share with you – you should have been!

 

You see, while the article talked about the complexity of the conflict, and the deep loss suffered by so many …

 

… it didn’t talk about what people like you are doing through ALWS to help the children of war in Myanmar

 

… or the fact that a 5:1 Australian Government Grant increases the impact of your donation SIX times!

 

That’s why today I thought I’d take you with me into in a Displaced Persons Camp in Rakhine State in Myanmar, so you could see for yourself the impact you have.

 

(This story is from interviews I did when it was last safe to go to Myanmar. I won’t share names, to help protect the people’s safety. The gentleman was Chair of the Camp Management Committee, at a camp where people like you supported building a Temporary Learning Space as a Kindergarten for 365 children. You see him with his daughter.)

 

“Before, we lived only 5 kilometres away.

 

But when the conflict came, houses were burned, and people used the long knives. All the people were scared. Not just the children, but the older people too.

 

That is why we flee.

 

Now, I want to say thank you to the donor.

 

Before, education in the camp was weak. We only had an old building. We have so many children, we needed a new building. All the parents want to send their children to school.

 

Now, it is very much improved. In the future, we would like more training for teachers if you can help do this. We need quality teachers, and teacher training. We still need more Learning Kits and teaching materials.

 

We are thankful for our donors. If not for this building, the children cannot get a quality education. They can only be illiterate.

 

I want to see all the children be clever,
and to be an educated person.

 

I want them to shine like the star!”

 

“I am in Grade 2.
My favourite subject is English and Maths.
I also do Geography and Social Studies.

I want to be a Teacher,
so I can help students.”

This photo shows you the kind of help you give children of war in Myanmar through ALWS, our local Myanmar partner, and the Australian Government – safe Temporary Learning Space, pens and pencils, writing books, school desk, trained teachers.

 

DONATE 5:1 NOW!

 

When I talked to the teacher, you’ll see his passion for children’s education was powerful, despite the challenges …

 

“It is my dream job to be a teacher.

 

I want my students to gain wisdom.

 

I want my children to be an educated person,
a clever person. With education,
children can build a better life,
so they can be a success.”

 

This is the impact you can make on the lives of children of war in Myanmar, through ALWS.

 

The world may have ‘forgotten’ this war, and left behind a ‘lost generation’ …

 

… but you are there with the children, and their mums and dads, and their teachers, providing the support they need to be a success – a star!

 

That’s why you are a star too!

 

Thank you for your kindness and compassion, and your love that is a blessing ALWayS!

 

PS: The new 5:1 Australian Government Grant for children of war in Myanmar increases the impact of your donation SIX TIMES. DONATE 5:1 NOW! Your donation is   – donate by 30 June to claim any tax benefit you may be due, in this financial year. Thank you!

 

 

Your 5:1 donation is used wisely

 

♥ You help with practical care

Every donation you make to this project will be combined with funding from the Australian Government to reach more people. ALWS has committed to contribute $1 for every $5 received from the Australian government. The total Australian Government Grant that ALWS has allocated to Myanmar projects is $440,500.

Therefore, ALWS must raise $88,100 to fully match this 5:1 Grant. ALWS aims to do this by 30 June 2024. Should ALWS receive income beyond this amount, those funds will be used to support other ALWS projects that attract the 5:1 Government Grant, and other life-transforming ALWS projects.

Your donation will allow us to extend ALWS programs.

 

♥ You give ‘no strings attached’ aid

Information in this communication is based on data correct at time of writing, and may change. Funds and other resources designated for the purpose of aid and development will be used only for those purposes and will not be used to promote a particular religious adherence or to support a political party, or to promote a candidate or organisation affiliated to a particular party, or to support welfare activities as defined by DFAT. For more information, call: 1300 763 407

 

♥ Your kindness goes to work carefully

In 2023, ALWS ‘overheads’ (fundraising and administration costs as defined by ACFID Code of Conduct) were 15.43%. The 5 year average is 15.77%. A copy of the most current ALWS Annual Report can be viewed at alws.org.au or requested: 1300 763 407.

 

♥ Your privacy is important to us

ALWS collects personal information about you in order to process your gift. A copy of the ALWS Privacy Policy is available at alws.org.au If you don’t wish to receive further news from ALWS, simply call 1300 763 407 or write to alws@alws.org.au

Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) is The Overseas Aid & Development Agency of the Lutheran Church of Australia – ABN 36 660 551 871

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