A teacher who fled the ongoing conflict in Myanmar says her time on a Jesuit leadership course has enabled her to maintain hope of a brighter future for her community.
Maria (not her real name) joined the Myanmar Leadership Programme on Education Innovation and Leadership Skills in her homeland before she sought refuge in Malaysia after civil war broke out in 2021.
The project, which is run by the Myanmar Leadership Institute and is supported by Jesuit Missions, is designed to train the country’s young people in “competent and compassionate” management.
Maria explained that it has allowed her to develop her teaching skills in innovative ways and helped her grow individually.
She has hopes of using her new skills to help train others impacted by the war, both in Malaysia and, one day, back in Myanmar.
“I’ve learned how to manage a class not just with rules, but with empathy and creativity,” she said.
“It was like discovering that teaching isn’t only about knowledge – it’s also about understanding people.
“This programme has helped me grow stronger – not only in skills, but also in spirt. I’ve become more confident in approaching my ‘dream person’; the version of me I want to become.”
She explained that she has also been able to utilise these skills outside of the classroom, using critical thinking and balance to shape her daily life.
And Maria has been able to tackle long-held beliefs in Burmese society, moulding and adapting them so they are better suited to today’s needs.
She said: “In my community, some rituals and traditions are deeply rooted – it’s not always easy to question or change them.
“But through what I’ve learned, I can now gently share what is good and what might need to change. It’s a small start but change always begins with awareness.”
Going forwards, with her country facing an uncertain future, Maria wants to pass on the skills she’s learned to others and help Myanmar in whatever way she can.
“My hope is to learn more about leadership education and to serve where it is needed most,” she said.
“I want to inspire others in the same way this programme has inspired me – to believe that no matter where you start, you can always grow into the leader you were meant to be.”
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