The Establishment of Dāna Education
- Mar 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 23
Dāna Education was founded by Mr. Htay Aung (Theo) with the primary goal of addressing the educational needs of underprivileged children and youth from all backgrounds. This initiative is deeply rooted in his own childhood experiences. At the age of five, he left his family to become a Buddhist monk in order to access education. However, the lack of support from parents, teachers, and mentors during his early years made it difficult for him to focus on his studies.
The turning point in his educational journey came after he spent four years at the Eastern Mediterranean International School (EMIS) in Israel. There, he witnessed firsthand the stark differences between the two education systems, which had a profound impact on his perspective on learning. This experience inspired him to establish Dāna Education, aiming to provide better educational opportunities for children who, like him, face significant challenges in their educational journey.
Mission (Empower)
"Our social purpose is to address the educational needs of underprivileged children of all backgrounds".
Vision (Engage)
"Our vision is a place where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the educational experience that nurtures an appreciation for our individual and shared responsibility.
Solution (Explore)
By providing comprehensive educational support our solution focuses on creating a safe, secure, inclusive, and protective environment where these children can access quality education experience and emotional support.
The first Dāna Education project was launched in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a focus on offering a diverse range of educational support. This includes English language learning, social and emotional development, computer science, and extracurricular activities such as arts, sports, and day trips. The learning center was founded by Mr. Htay Aung and Mr. Mai Kyaw Shwe in May 2024, and has since seen great success thanks to the support of friends, families, volunteers, donors, and partners from around the world.
As Dāna Education entered 2025, the learning center implemented significant changes to its curriculum, introducing a structured timeline for students. This new approach includes two key programs: the Pre-Diploma and Diploma programs, each of which spans three years. These changes are designed to provide a more comprehensive and organized educational experience, ensuring that students have a clear path to follow as they progress through their studies.
Dāna Education has made a significant impact not only within the Burmese immigrant communities in Chiang Mai but also through the launch of new projects in other regions. One such project is a reading club in Laos, which focuses on empowering Laotian youth through literature, helping to inspire a love of reading and enhance educational opportunities.
Additionally, Dāna Education has initiated a mental health awareness project in Myanmar. This initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and provide counseling services to young people in the country. By addressing mental health, Dāna Education seeks to offer crucial support to youth, helping them navigate emotional challenges and build resilience for the future.
Currently, Dāna Education is operating across three regions in Southeast Asia: Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Our mission is not to rebuild an entirely new educational system, but rather to address the specific educational needs of children and youth in these communities. By focusing on providing accessible, relevant, and holistic educational opportunities, we aim to empower young people and help them overcome the barriers they face in their educational journeys. Through our efforts, we strive to create a positive impact on their futures and contribute to the broader development of the region.
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