For seven years, 35-year-old preschool teacher Sue has dedicated her career to helping young children learn and grow in her village in Myanmar.
Today, she is a trusted educator and source of support for children and families navigating the challenges of conflict and displacement.
Myanmar remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, with more than 3.7 million people internally displaced by ongoing conflict. For children, the disruption to education and daily life can have lasting impacts.
“Before, I taught mainly based on my experience,” Sue recalls. “Sometimes I felt unsure how to respond when children were emotional or withdrawn.”
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and our Jesuit partners in Myanmar, Sue participated in teacher training, parenting education sessions and school committee workshops. These opportunities strengthened her understanding of child development, emotional wellbeing and child-centred learning.
Where children had once been shy and hesitant to participate, they now confidently tell stories, sing songs and share their ideas.
Activities focused on peace-building, social and emotional learning, and mental health support have helped create a safe and nurturing learning environment.
“Children are no longer afraid to speak,” Sue says. “They enjoy leading activities by themselves, and that makes learning more joyful.”
“Some children come to me when they feel scared or sad. They trust me the same way they trust their parents.”
Parents have also noticed the difference, becoming more engaged with the school and more confident in supporting their children’s learning.
In 2025, this project reached over 18,000 people, improving access to safe, quality education for children and young people affected by the Myanmar emergency.
For Sue, teaching is more than a job. It is an opportunity to give back to the community that raised her and help children build a brighter future despite the challenges around them.
This story comes from Reflections Winter 2026.
Contents include:
- A legacy continued, India
- Dreaming beyond borders, Myanmar
- A future once thought impossible, Cambodia
- Where seeds of hope take root, Timor-Leste
- Helping children find their voice, Myanmar
- Plus more from our 75th anniversary celebrations, including stories from long-time supporter sand volunteers
