Myanmar (Burma)

Overview
Irrawaddy Faces Project
Humanitarian Medical Aid
Myitkyina Schools
Rural Electrification

Cambodia

Overview
Vocational Education & Microfinance
Forest & Cultural Site
Rehabilitation

bsspi supported schools

• Myitkyina Schools Project
  
• Tang Hpre Mountain Youth

myitkyina schools project

This project consists of seven co-ed schools that provide an English language education to about 270 impoverished Northern Myanmar children, ages 8-to-18.  The teachers are Kachin women and certified educators.  Most of the students are ethnic Kachin; however, admission is based on need and space availability, not ethnicity. Tuition is free or minimal (less than $1.00 USD per month), depending on ability to pay.  Students attend class two to four hours per day in addition to attending the local government school. Classes are held year- around.  The curriculum consists of beginning and intermediate English. The students also receive learning support in other subjects. 

This project is sponsored by the OSS-101 Association, Inc., a US-based 501(c)(19) organization comprising American WWII veterans of Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Detachment-101. BSSPI directs this activity on behalf of the American veterans. BSSPI also provides used English language reading materials for a consolidated library. Locally, we work with a grassroots organization of octogenarian Kachin WWII veterans, the Kachin Rangers Committee, who act as both school board and the honorary guardians of this project.  Since 2004, this non-political humanitarian activity has provided a free or nearly free secular English language education to disadvantaged youngsters in Myitkyina.  Notably, for the first time in the history of this project, an alumnus will matriculate at a state university this year.    

Myitkyina (pronounced myit-chee-nah) is the capital of Kachin State.  The Kachin are one of Myanmar’s acknowledged major ethnic minorities.  Many of the Kachin are Christian.  In WWII, the Kachin assisted US and British military operations at great risk to themselves.  Kachin nurses tended to sick and injured soldiers.  Kachin warriors fought in combined guerilla formations alongside Allied special units, putting their local knowledge and jungle skills to work as scouts, operatives, and raiders.  Collectively, these native allies were known as the Kachin Rangers.  For further reading on the Kachin and the brave men of OSS Detachment-101, see the following recommended books and weblinks:

The OSS-101 Association, Inc.
History

To support the Myitkyina Schools project, please contact the following:

OSS-101 Association, Inc.
1307 Crocus Cove
Cedar Park, TX 78613
 or write to Treasurer@oss-101.com