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For
over 50 years the Burmese government has subjected and
oppressed the people living under it. As was witnessed
during the recent Monk's protest, the Regime will stop
at nothing to impose its will. Over one million people
live as internally displaced people in Burma, having fled
their villages. Over two million people have fled Burma
to live in refugee camps or to work illegally along the
Thai/Burma border. Men, women and children live in abject
poverty, scraping by on less than a pound per day. Often
they are subject to horrendous abuse. Burmese minority
groups, such as the Karen, Karenni and Shan, are the worst
affected.
Since 2001, Child Action
International has developed projects on the Thai/Burma
border. We now work with the Karen Education Department
(KED) and the Burmese Migrant Worker Education Committee
(BMWEC) to support the education and relief projects on
both sides of the Thai/Burma border. Over 700 children
are receiving an education, resources and basic health
checks through your support and the work of Epiphany.
Our
focus is supporting schools in Burma as we believe that
if people can read, write and are numerate they are better
equipped to resist exploitation by the Burmese army. After
60 years of oppression it is hoped that education can
empower the next generation to understand and communicate
their situation, defend their rights and gain economic
significance. Importantly, education can not be stolen
or destroyed by the ongoing civil conflict.
We also ensure that other
needs of the villages are supported. Epiphany Trust has
funded a dam, to provide a village with the means to store
water during the rainy season for use in the dry season.
We also provide emergency relief supplies for when the
Burmese army (SPDC) attack communities and villagers are
forced to flee into the jungle. For up to date news on
Burma please click on either of these two main external
news sources: www.irrawaddy.com
and www.burmanet.org/news
The situation in Burma shows
no sign of changing and The Epiphany Trust remains committed
to providing support to all of these projects. To do this
we need your help. |