Shan Protection and Livelihoods Program in Myanmar

Most challenges in Shan State are related to poverty, poor health, drug addiction and include lack of knowledge and technical skills, language barriers, remoteness, lack of infrastructure, lack of resources and money, illiteracy, daily survival/daily income and food needs, lack of leadership and lack of government support.

The project consists of three main elements: food security, nutrition and child protection. The projects activities take place in 12 (remote) villages in Theinni township and four (remote) villages in Lashio township, in Northern Shan State, Myanmar.

Food security: In this region, farmers are able to generate more income by planting corn rather than planting rice. Because of this, corn production is the most popular cash crop and the main business of Shan State. Through the income from corn production, farmers can support their children to attend schools and improve their farming tools. However, almost all of the farmers who plant corn use herbicide for weeding and they are not aware of the risks of unsystematic usage of herbicide. World Concern Myanmar (WCM) is raising awareness about how to safely use herbicides. Other food security project activities consist of setting up rice banks in the villages, and improving business and financial skills through trainings.

Nutrition: the project activities concern home gardening, compost making and making natural fertilizer. Also, the project raises awareness on how to prepare and consume the food in an interactive way. For example with cooking competitions to share knowledge.

Child protection: the project includes arranging birth certificates for new born children, family certificates, ID cards for people who want to migrate, trainings about safe migration, educational support in school, stationary and uniforms, and support to pre-schools. Most vulnerable families and students receive support for re-start or continue their schooling.

ICCO Cooperation works with local partner World Concern Myanmar (WCM), who has been working in Shan State for more than 10 years.