Relief for Internally Displaced Families in Myanmar

In Myanmar, more than 380 internally displaced families have sought refuge at the Kachin State Lisu Christian Council (KLCC) due to armed conflict and instability. Due to overcrowding, KLCC has established five informal refugee camp sites near Myitkyina to accommodate these families. Three of the camp sites were generously provided by Christian landowners, while the other two are privately owned, where displaced families must pay rent or risk eviction. Although they have shelter, the camp sites lack clean water and sanitation facilities, endangering the residents’ health. Across all five camp sites, there are only eight wells and six toilets; two camp sites have no toilets at all, forcing residents to defecate outdoors. This not only increases the risk of spreading diseases but also undermines their dignity.

Since 2021, CEDAR has supported local churches in providing food and medicine by delivering them to displaced communities in Kachin State. During the March 2025 emergency food aid project, CEDAR’s local partners—Fullmoon Family Foundation (FMFF) and KLCC—heard the voices of some refugee parents: in addition to the need for clean water and basic sanitation facilities, they hope their children can continue their education, as education is the key to getting out of poverty. Unfortunately, many parents cannot afford tuition fees, and some schools are located far from the camp sites, making the journey dangerous, which further hinders children’s access to education. Additionally, many children have faced interruptions in their studies due to fleeing the war, resulting in delays in their studies and an increased risk of dropping out. Parents feel both guilty and helpless for not being able to ensure their children’s continued education.

A few months ago, the cathedral in Bhamo, Kachin State, was burned down by the military government. In a report by Agenzia Fides, a priest pointed out: ‘Tatmadaw soldiers are often young people without education or culture, recruited and manipulated by their commanders. They commit cruel acts and do not understand the gravity of their actions.’ If the children who grow up in war and slaughter miss educational opportunities today due to the war, they may become similar to the Myanmar soldiers today in the future, lacking the ability to discern right from wrong. This situation could have far-reaching consequences.

‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6)

Children are the foundation of the future. In the current predicament, they have no choices, no power to resist, and no way out. As children grow day by day, parents’ worries are understandable. Let us look to the future—where education empowers children to break this vicious cycle and address the fundamental issues in Myanmar.

This relief not only addresses basic water and sanitation needs but also emphasises children’s education. CEDAR has decided to allocate US$50,920 (approximately HK$401,250) to support our local partner FMFF, providing clean water sources and basic sanitation facilities for five informal refugee camp sites, while also offering children the opportunity for education. Please donate now to support the ‘Relief for Internally Displaced Families in Myanmar’ campaign, helping them find strength and hope for tomorrow.