ISY Service Learning
Kalitaw School:
A Journey of Hope and Connection
Hi! We are students from the Chinthe Fund Elementary Group. Our group is made up of students from 3rd to 5th grade, and our goal is to support the three service organizations of the Chinthe Fund. Today, we are excited to tell you about our project with Kalitaw School.
Kalitaw School
Kalitaw School began in 2010 when a monk from a nearby monastery decided to educate children from local families working in fishing, bamboo, and rubber plantations. Classes were held in a simple bamboo structure. In 2015, Jeff Parry, founder of Bike World, organised fundraising events which paid for the current brick building.
Today, three committed teachers educate over 40 children aged 5 to 13. As the only school in the area, Kalitaw offers both academic subjects and practical life skills.
Our Special Visit
In March, our group traveled to Kalitaw School. After a two-hour bus ride along increasingly bumpy roads, we finally arrived.
The students welcomed us with bright smiles and excitement that made us feel instantly at home. We were invited to participate alongside the students in the monk’s prayers, after which we shared a delicious meal. We handed out snacks and water to the children.
We interviewed students and teachers about life at the school. It was interesting and we learned a lot about their daily lives. We also made a documentary film about what we learned. The most heartwarming part was playing and bonding with the students, despite our different backgrounds, we found common interests through games and laughter.
The Stone Game Adventure
A highlight of our visit was joining the Kalitaw students in their favorite stone game. The challenge was to throw stones to knock a bag from a tree. Some of us collected stones while others took turns throwing. Playing together created connections beyond words as we cheered each other on and shared moments of joy, reminding us that games and laughter truly are universal.
Looking Ahead
From selling popcorn and going on field trips to creating our documentary and learning new skills, our journey with Kalitaw School has been incredibly rewarding. We’re proud of what our partnership has accomplished so far, and we are excited to continue making a positive impact in the future.
By the Chinthe Fund Elementary Group (Grade 4 students Mimi Guo, Charlotte Lee and Mabel Lumon)
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040