Non-Formal Education

Education starts with a first chance.

Non-Formal Education is at the heart of SONNE Social Organization.

When we opened our first education centre in Yangon in 2016, Non-Formal Education was where our work began. Before vocational training, free tuition classes and our other programmes were established, our first goal was simple: to give children who had never had a real chance to attend school access to education.

Almost ten years later, this remains one of the core activities of SONNE.

Today, around 150 children between the ages of 6 and 12 attend our Non-Formal Education programme at our three education centres in Dagon Seikkan and South Dagon Townships. With the opening of our fourth centre, DCC4, planned for November 2026, we will be able to reach even more children.

For children outside the formal school system

The children entering our programme come from some of Yangon's most disadvantaged communities. Many have never attended school at all. Poverty, lack of documentation, family circumstances and the costs associated with formal education can make regular school inaccessible.

Some children spend their days on the streets, collecting recyclable materials or helping their families earn an income. Others stay at home to care for younger siblings while their parents work.

For them, education cannot simply be taken for granted.

Our Non-Formal Education programme provides a safe and supportive environment where children can begin learning — regardless of where they are starting from.

Preparing children for school

Our teachers follow the Myanmar school curriculum, teaching essential subjects and preparing younger children, wherever possible, to transition into the formal government school system.

For children who join us at six, seven or eight years old, this transition can often still be achieved. We support them academically and, when necessary, help families obtain important documentation such as birth certificates that may be required for school enrolment.

For older children who have never attended school, entering the formal system can be much more difficult and sometimes no longer realistic.

But that does not mean their education should end before it has even begun.

A different path forward

For these children, our goal is to provide the foundation they will need for their future.

They learn to read, write and calculate, while developing general knowledge, confidence and basic skills that allow them to continue learning.

As they grow older, they can move towards SONNE's vocational programmes, including computer training, sewing, mechanics and other practical skills.

The pathway may be different from that of a child attending a conventional school — but it can still lead towards independence, employment and a life with greater opportunities.

Education is only part of the picture

When a child has never attended school, there is often more happening behind the scenes.

That is why children in our Non-Formal Education programme are also an important focus of SONNE's social work. Our teachers and social workers regularly visit families at home, allowing us to better understand each child's circumstances and identify problems that may prevent them from learning.

Where necessary, we work with families to find practical solutions and connect children with additional support.

We don't only want children to enter a classroom. We want to help them stay there — and give them a realistic path forward.

Help us keep the door open

Our Non-Formal Education programme, teachers, learning materials, meals and support services depend on donations.

With our fourth education centre now being built, more children will soon have the opportunity to take their first steps into education.

Every child deserves the chance to learn — no matter where their story begins.

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