History

Banthe Dr U Agga Sara is a young & dynamic monk from Schwegyin. Recently, he obtained a Doctorate Degree in Buddhism from the Delhi University, India. With his determination, initiative and hard work, a school to provide free education for the local underprivileged children was planned. In June 2001 Shwegyin Free School was formally established. The donation came mainly from a family of well wishers, Dr. Cho Cho Nu, U Aung  Nyein and Daw Than Than Nu, in memory of their late parents U Nu and Daw Mya Yi have made contribution towards this noble task. A plot of land was purchased and a temporary school was constructed on the site.   

Location

The school is located in Shwegyin town of Bago division, on the banks of the Sittown River. It takes six hours to reach Shwegyin by road from Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar and ten hours by train through Nyaung Le Bin town.

People & Background

Shwegyin is a small town that is made up of Burmese and the ethnic groups of Karen, Mon and Shan. They have been living here harmoniously for many years. Farming, horticulture, woodcutting, animal husbandry and panning for gold are the major professions of the people in Shwegyin.

The poverty in Shwegyin does not permit the underprivileged children to attend primary school due to the financial difficulties face by the people in Shwegyin. The school dropout rate is high. Most of the children have drifted away from their own culture and religion, which normally form an integral part of a Burmese way of life.

Aims and Objectives

The Shwegyin Free School was established to give the children of Shwegin a free basic education.

Apart from formal education, the children also receive instructions on personal hygiene as well as issues concerning environment protection, their role and duties towards the society and some skills to help them in their livelihood/occupation.

Future Plan

Every year more than 60 new students enroll in the Shwegyin Free School. The students are currently having their lessons in a hut that is made up of six classrooms (temporary schoolbuilding). Due to the limited resources the Shwegyin Free School can only offer education up to class IV levels.

To serve the community better, as well as to upgrade their skills in relevant vocational fields in time to come, a new school building is currently being planned. We thereby appeal to all well wishers that have the wish and ability to help these children in Shwegyin. Your love, care and attention to this school building project is highly appreciated.
 

Timelines & Updates:

- Pre December 2004

- December 2004

- March 2005

- February 2006

- September 2006

- December 2006