Who Is “100 Schools”?
John Stevens and Maung Maung Gyi are two men who resolved to build 100 schools in rural Myanmar for local people who would otherwise not have one. John Stevens is a Canadian who met MMG during his travels, and after a few projects together, decided they could make it happen. John has been fundraising and building an international network of supporters, while MMG is on the ground in Myanmar organizing the construction. Together they make a good team, with over 50 schools built in 12+ years since they started.
John is dedicated to making a difference in a country where a school building brings publicly funded teaching for hundreds of local children. He was initially motivated when he saw how he could make a difference in Maung’s village. Then he continued because of the need and seeing how a little money could go so far. He identified how money raised overseas can make a real difference in Myanmar children’s lives, and through the way they operate makes the most of every dollar. He holds people to their agreements because of who he is, and has become the backbone of this thriving organization.
Maung Maung Gyi is a very energetic facilitator, he identifies villages with need for a school, and when the money has been raised to build, organizes local people to work with his core crew of skilled builders. The projects are thus completed on a schedule using locally purchased materials. The schools are a community success and an integral part of the communities in which they are built.
Between them, John Stevens and MMG have developed a strong rapport with local people, politicians at local and national levels, and school authorities. They now employ full time a core group of skilled workers who train local people and facilitate construction of the buildings, and now have many projects running concurrently. 100 Schools is thus well on its way to achieving is stated goal, and is also funding school supplies and scholarships for secondary and higher education as money allows. It has made a concrete difference in a country where education is highly valued by people, and has made it available to thousands of children who would otherwise not have had the chance to get basic schooling.
Recent changes in Myanmar’s government have not relieved the need to build local schools. the government continues to provide teachers to acceptable school buildings once they are built, but the need for construction of primary and secondary schools in rural communities remains. Changes in currency have depreciated the Canadian and American $ relative to the Myanmar Chat, and increasing local prices have reduced the purchasing power of donations by about 30% since the project started, however $ 10,000 will still allow for construction of a rural elementary school. Our donations still have remarkable purchasing power via 100 Schools! Other NGO’s have received permission to operate in Myanmar in the last few years, but 100 Schools are still built the same way: leveraging donated money to actualize the enthusiasm and commitment of local peoples to their own futures.
We are proud to say that U R Building Knowledge was amongst the first to support John and Maung Maung Gyi. If you’ve been with us since 2008, then you’ve contributed to 6 schools and 1 clinic. If it is easier for you to contribute through our efforts (how can I help?- link here) then please do, or you can directly donate to 100schools.org.
