Back to Learning: Rebuilding Hope After the Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar

As the new school year begins across Myanmar, communities in earthquake-affected areas are fighting to keep learning alive. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake – the worst in a century - that struck on 28 March left behind a trail of devastation — destroying more than 2,500 learning facilities and displacing thousands of families.

But amid the rubble, stories of resilience are emerging. As children gear up for the new school year, temporary learning spaces in monasteries, tented shelters, and beneath tarpaulins are bringing them back to learning — and with it, a renewed sense of hope.

“We must continue to teach — regardless of the condition.”

📍Inwa, Mandalay 
Standing in front of collapsed classroom blocks, U Aung San, a 62-year-old educator, registers children under an open sky. 

“Two classroom blocks and our main hall collapsed. But we’ve already enrolled 900 students. Parents still prioritise learning — no matter the hardship. We’ve built a temporary learning facility, but it’s not enough. We need help — temporary shelters, classrooms, anything. We must ensure children resume learning.”

U Aung San

“Children come here because they want to learn — and feel safe.”

📍A monastic school, Mandalay
A rare sense of calm fills the courtyard as Daw Myat Mon looks on.

“Over 8,000 students have enrolled. Many come from conflict-affected areas — Lashio, Hsipaw, Pinlaung, and Sagaing. Our school was spared major damage, so more families are turning to us. We received recreational kits from UNICEF, which help the children cope. But we still need more support.”

For children who’ve known only loss, learning offers a sense of routine — and refuge.

© UNICEF Myanmar/2025/Minzayar Oo

“We fled conflict, then the earthquake hit.”

📍A monastic high school, Sagaing
Seated on the steps of the monastery, Ma Nilar cradles her daughter’s new school bag.

“We lost our home two years ago to conflict. Then the earthquake destroyed this town. Still, I want all my children to study. They’re bright and hardworking. We’re grateful for any support — books, kits, learning spaces. We just want them to keep learning so they can envision a brighter future.”

© UNICEF Myanmar/2025/Minzayar Oo

“We don’t even have a classroom yet — but we will teach day and night.”

📍A monastic High School, Sagaing

U Zaw walks past rubble — the remains of what was once a five-story school.

“Sixteen lives were lost here — students, teachers, displaced families. Our classrooms are gone, but we’ve received a temporary learning shelter and roofing sheets from UNICEF. We’ll reopen by mid-June. We’ll teach double sessions if we must. The children cannot afford to fall behind.”

© UNICEF Myanmar/2025/Minzayar Oo

More Than Learning – A Lifeline

In a region already strained by conflict, displacement, and poverty, the earthquake has deepened the learning crisis. But through determination — and support from partners — families are reclaiming what was lost.

“Learning is more than education — it’s protection, belonging, and recovery.”
UNICEF is committed to ensuring every child in earthquake-affected communities can return to learning — safely, supportively, and without delay. But the needs are immense. More flexible funding is urgently required to scale up the response and prevent a generation from being left behind.


The names and locations in this photo story have been changed to protect the privacy and safety of individuals involved.

*This story was originally published on the UNICEF Myanmar website.