The saying “The children are our future” is a widely held belief that underscores the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being worldwide. Yet, some regions, including Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), fall short of this ideal. This is not a unique issue facing Myanmar, however. Fortunately, Myanmar’s children are not alone in their fight for a better future. Five charities operating in Myanmar are responding to the crisis with diverse, supportive action.

What Are Some Challenges Facing Myanmar?

Myanmar is a Southeast Asian nation bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Its geographic location and ethnic diversity have contributed to long-standing internal conflict.

In February 2021, the military junta staged a coup and assumed absolute control of the country, committing widespread humanitarian violations against the population, including the suppression of free speech, manipulated elections, unlawful detentions, indiscriminate airstrikes on civilians, unregulated resource extraction and restricted access to medical care and supplies.

As foreign aid and attention toward the conflict dwindle, Myanmar sinks deeper into chaos. Protecting the most vulnerable is crucial, and humanitarian action for Myanmar’s children is imperative.

Humanitarian Action for Children in Myanmar

Myanmar’s conflict has created an urgent and time-sensitive need for humanitarian action for children. Violence, displacement and disruptions to educational and health services continue to threaten children across Myanmar. By mid-2025, as the scope of the military takeover expands and intensifies, the conflict has internally displaced more than 3.5 million people, including 30% who are children. Of the 20 million people requiring assistance, 6.4 million are children.

Environmental disasters exacerbate children’s safety concerns. Cyclones, typhoons, monsoon floods and earthquakes destroy vital infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, access to clean water and proper sanitation, especially in underserved areas.

About 55% of Burmese children live in poverty. Malnutrition and lack of immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases limit opportunities. Ongoing violence, attacks, forced military recruitment and marriage threaten children’s well-being. Sanctuaries for children are vanishing due to both natural disasters and human conflict.

Myanmar’s children still have the opportunity for a better future. Five charities operating in Myanmar continue working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and provide vital humanitarian aid to Myanmar’s children, helping them find happiness and a reimagined future.

5 Charities Operating in Myanmar

1. Save the Children: Save the Children Myanmar is one such charity operating on the ground. It provides humanitarian aid to children in Myanmar through programs in education, health and nutrition. It offers malaria testing and emergency relief and shelter for children affected by the 2025 earthquake. Since COVID-19, Save the Children Myanmar has implemented educational programs to help children enroll in school and regain a sense of normalcy. Save the Children Myanmar has operated in the country since 1995, maintaining a neutral and impartial presence while helping children “survive, learn and be protected.”
2. UNICEF Myanmar: UNICEF Myanmar has been dedicated to supporting children in Myanmar for more than 70 years. Its success stems from decades of experience and adaptability in the region, allowing them to promote children’s rights, understand local problems and provide effective solutions. Whether in remote areas or with local communities, UNICEF Myanmar aims to make a difference, regardless of location or circumstance. After the 2025 earthquake, it offered emergency aid, emotional and psychosocial support, including safe spaces for children to smile, play and simply be kids.
3. The Shew Ya Min Foundation: The Shew Ya Min Foundation (SYF) is a charity organization with a mission to ensure that disadvantaged children in Myanmar receive the support they need to escape the cycle of poverty. Its goal is to assist abused children by providing access to education, health care, counseling and life skills to help them navigate instability. Its humanitarian aid for children is diverse, including drop-in and housing centers, mobile outreach programs and emergency shelters in Yangon. The SYF accommodates 100 children during the school year, with a boarding center housing more than 50 students and a medical clinic accepting 35 patients daily.
4. World Vision International Myanmar: World Vision International Myanmar is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization. Its humanitarian aid for children in Myanmar transcends religion, race, ethnicity and gender, protecting the innocence of children exposed to violence and hostile environments. Child protection and disaster response are priorities, and implementing education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene programs improves livelihoods and offers hope for the future, benefiting more than 1.35 million children, including 349,383 girls, 319,724 boys and 1,322 children with disabilities.
5. Children of the Mekong: Children of the Mekong has operated in Myanmar since 1958, providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar’s children and remaining faithful to its goal of loving and supporting them by offering a future through education. To improve individual lives, the charity helps children build character and grow intellectually, emotionally and morally. On-the-ground development programs create environments suitable for education, with access to drinking water, housing, and school supplies. Sponsors help more than 23,400 children attend school. These programs help children avoid child labor and exploitation while gaining access to education and long-term opportunities. The organization intentionally meets the needs of children and families and is determined to support Myanmar’s children in the long term.

Looking Ahead

The good news for Myanmar’s children is much louder than the noise of hardships stripping them of a happy childhood and a safe future. Their resilience, combined with the dedication of humanitarian organizations, continues to bring attention to their struggles and needs. These five charities operating in Myanmar have answered the call and affirmed their unwavering support for Myanmar’s children. Providing children with a safe environment where they can grow and thrive remains essential.

– Elora Gunn

Elora is based in Louisville, KY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash