How a Nonprofit Institute in Myanmar is Empowering the Youth Towards a Sustainable Future!
Jeff Boucher lived in different parts of the world before he finally made his home in the picturesque city of Taunggyi, Myanmar. However, what sealed the deal for him wasn’t the breathtaking peaks surrounding the city.
Originally from Canada, Jeff is passionate about progress. As the Director of the not-for-profit Theik Khar Myanmar Institute, he leads a 15-month intensive higher educaton program that seeks to unite Myanmar’s youth in the pursuit of the country’s sustainable development goals.
The curriculum brings together arts, social studies and science taught largely through practical community-led initiatives. Students gain a deeper understanding of human rights, world politics, poetry, photography and are also given the space to develop critical thinking skills and self-confidence.
TKMI has been paramount in making a dent in the educational deficit in Myanmar by providing practical and philosophical learning opportunities to its students. The institute accepts 30 odd students yearly, a majority of whom are from low-income families. Moreover, the course is completely free of cost and students are even given a monthly stipend for daily meals.
Graduates go on to work with NGOs, advocacy groups, CBOs and find opportunities in law, education and business. Many also go on to receive scholarships from universities abroad.
Engaging with the locals is a vital part of the learning methods.
Jeff realized that moving the institute to the countryside was necessary to deepen the curriculum with more outdoor practical learning and to get the students to work closely with local communities.
He turned to crowdfund on Impact Guru to build a new and improved campus. He surpassed his initial goal of Rs 5,22,600 by large margin. In around two months, his campaign raised Rs 9,03,221; nearly double his goal!
Jeff didn’t simply advertise, he involved. His students were a part of his crowdfunding effort — they promoted the fundraiser within their communities, doing wonders for organic outreach. Jeff also brought in his global network of friends from his nomadic past to support his campaign through social media. Find out more about how Jeff and his students pulled off a successful fundraiser here.
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