The Schools
The Esther Project is about giving these children hope and a future. We are the only year-round vocational training program with paid staff training the orphans in English and computer science; to provide them the necessary skills to pass the exam and to possess marketable skills to earn a living.
We currently work with 38 orphanages in 7 townships, in 8 learning centers with over 600 students.
Our approach is proving to be successful, the children are frequently tested and the last results indicate that 75% of the students are far exceeding or exceeding expectations in English and 100% are far exceeding or exceeding expectations in Computer training.
School Curriculum
Focusing on the two critical skills of English and Computer Training, a powerful combination in the developing world, that has traditionally only been available to those who can afford to send their children to private schools. The Esther Project conducts daily classes during the school break in Myanmar (March, April, and May) and every weekend the rest of the year.
English
Utilizing proven methods that work extremely well with native Burmese speakers, The Esther Project instructors use a learner-centered approach to teach communicative English. The courses make English unforgettable through the delicate mixture of language, intensive practice, engaging activities, and clear goals for each day’s lesson plan.
The program prepares students for academic work through the development of critical thinking skills and reading and listening strategies.
Computer Skills
For all of our students, the Esther Project provides them with their first exposure to a computer, after the initial excitement of touching a laptop for the first time, our instructors begin teaching from the ground up (starting with the power button and what a mouse is).
Teaching typing skills the students begin gaining confidence as they learn MS Word, and MS Excel, progressing to photo editing, graphic design, and desktop publishing.
Vocational Skills
Realizing that our clients have different interests and skillsets, the Esther Project has begun providing the opportunity for those who are more inclined to enjoy physical labor, with skill training in carpentry.
Sewing Program
A sewing program was launched in 2020 to provide the necessary skills for those children who have struggled with computer training, to receive professional-level seamstress training to enable them to find employment immediately.
Mentoring Program
Faced with children aging out of the orphanage system without the life skills that many of us take for granted, a mentoring program was launched in August of 2020 to provide life skill training, as well as to provide assistance in job placement, career planning, personal ethics, and advanced level English skills. Partnering with local community leaders, business executives, and other NGO leaders, the Mentoring Program has found success in placing our students in jobs and work apprenticeship programs.
“I saw many young people who couldn’t learn computer. But I think we are blessed to have opportunity to learn computer in free. I think I am very blessed. Even my elder sister had never learnt computer. But she is so happy for me that I could learn computer.
I felt I made a lot of improvements by studying at the Esther Project because I learnt computer, new English vocabularies and I even can translate my English text now. But I can’t translate some sentences yet. Some of my friends are very good at English. But I don’t jealous with them. I just want to try hard when I see they are studying hard.
I also have many new experiences. I have got new friends. I am so happy to see everyone is learning happily at this project. “
- Si Si