The political, social and economic hardship endured by Karen State communities severely limits their capacity to support their teachers, students and schools.   Poor health, lack of food, security issues, and general poverty all contribute to poor student performance in and absence from school.  Teachers who have no time for food production due to their teaching responsibilities’, depend on their communities for food or money.  Where communities cannot support teachers' basic needs, it becomes extremely difficult for teachers to remain in their positions.

Who receives education assistance?
The fund targets 83,290 students, and 3981 teachers in Karen State (Kawthoolei). Many schools urgently request support for teacher subsidies, for basic student food/health needs and for school materials. Support is integrated into existing community structures for supporting schools: helping communities help their own schools.

How will funds be distributed?
Local district, township and village tract leaders distribute the teacher subsidies while villagers carry school materials, often for over a week, to their community schools. Mobile trainers monitor the use of funds.

Project Goal
To improve the quality of Karen education being provided to 
Karen State students.

Project Objectives

1. To decrease the attrition rates of Karen State teachers resulting from abject poverty.
2. To enhance the mental, physical and social development of Karen students by providing school and health materials.
3. To increase the capacity of Karen State education leaders in the management of the Karen education system.

Our goal is to support teachers with a subsidy of $120 USD per year – this is the only outside support they will receive.  Teachers will also be provided with teaching materials and educational resource texts at a combined cost of $11.49 USD per teacher per year.  We also provide learning materials, basic health and sports equipment to the 83,920 students at a cost of $4.96 USD per student per year. 

With $11 per year, a Karen State student can have a teacher and the basic materials to support her learning and health.

** Due to funding constraints, teacher subsidies will be limited to 2500 Baht this year.
 
KSEAG’s aim is to provide equitable education assistance to all Karen State schools in a coordinated, systematic and sustainable way. KSEAG is made up of the Karen Teacher Working Group, the Karen Education Department and Partners Relief and Development. Download pdf version fo KSEAG Fact Sheet.