Behind the Headlines: Stories That Stir Us
Every crisis comes with stories that never make the headlines—stories of families torn apart, children left without access to education, and entire communities struggling to rebuild. This section shares the news that moves us to act, offering a window into the realities facing our partners and the people they serve. From natural disasters to ongoing conflict, we highlight why long-term educational support is vital. These are the places where we bring hope, one short stride at a time.
Myanmar Earthquake Deepens Humanitarian Crisis
On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar's Sagaing Region, resulting in over 3,600 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries. The disaster destroyed approximately 48,000 homes, numerous schools, and critical infrastructure, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation due to ongoing civil conflict in which 3 million people are already displaced. An estimated 2 million people are in urgent need of assistance and protection.
Myanmar: Educational Needs Amidst Displacement
The destruction of educational facilities has left countless children without access to learning opportunities. In regions like Magway's Yaw District, community-based organizations are striving to provide educational support to displaced children, but resources are limited. The need for foundational English language resources and teacher training is more critical than ever to help these children continue their education and build a better future.
Papua New Guinea: Catastrophic Landslide in Enga Province
In May 2024, a massive landslide struck Enga Province in Papua New Guinea, burying over 2,000 people alive and displacing more than 7,000 individuals. The disaster destroyed homes, infrastructure, and schools, leaving thousands homeless and without access to basic services.Notably, over 40% of those affected were children under the age of 16, underscoring the critical need for child-focused humanitarian assistance and educational support.
Indonesia: High Frequency of Disasters in ASEAN Region
The ASEAN region, including Indonesia, faced 55 disaster events in a single week of March 2025, highlighting the vulnerability of these areas to natural hazards. The frequent occurrence of such disasters poses continuous challenges to maintaining stable educational systems, particularly in rural and underserved communities. "According to the reports, more than 4K families (approximately 13K persons) have been affected, with over 1.4K people displaced due to flooding, landslides, storms, and strong winds. The reported damages include approximately 3.8K houses, bridges, 42 roads, 18 educational facilities, 6 healthcare facilities, 23 places of worship, 27 other public facilities, and 123 hectares of agricultural areas."
