This interview was recorded before the recent suspension of USAID programs under the Trump administration, which has placed the future of the Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship Program (DISP) in jeopardy. As a USAID-supported initiative that equips Burmese educators with skills for inclusive and culturally relevant teaching, the program that Maw Maw Tun and Chan Lwin describe in this episode now faces uncertainty about its continuation.
Episode #309: Myanmar's educational landscape has faced immense challenges, especially due to the the COVID-19 pandemic, and then the 2021 military coup, which created significant barriers for marginalized communities. Despite these difficulties, individuals like Chan Lwin and Maw Maw Tun are working to make education more inclusive and adaptive across Myanmar.
Chan and Maw lead the Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship Program (DISP), an initiative supported by USAID that aims to empower teachers. Chan oversees DISP’s strategic direction, while Maw is lead instructor, conducting weekly Zoom sessions that help educators adapt blended learning methods to fit their communities. Their collaboration ensures that teachers not only gain skills but also receive ongoing support in applying these skills effectively.
Historically, Myanmar's education system has been centralized, controlled by state ideology, and emphasizing rote learning. The 2011 political reforms encouraged some changes, but disparities persist, especially between urban and rural areas. The pandemic highlighted these inequities as schools moved online, and rural students faced a lack of access to reliable internet and devices.
DISP is dedicated to empowering educators, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Teachers from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds are involved to create a more representative and culturally sensitive curriculum. They are also supported in creating resources in their native languages, which helps make education more meaningful and accessible.
Maw emphasizes the importance of starting with what is possible: “We have to start with ourselves—doing what is possible now. It's not about a perfect scenario but about making a real difference with what we have.” This encapsulates the spirit of DISP, empowering local educators to shape their own paths and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for Myanmar's education system.