Partners for Better Futures

The "Build a School in Burma" (BSB) program makes grants to support construction of school buildings in Myanmar. These grants have been fewer since the Febuary 2021 coup, which upended much of the country. This year BSB also supported education for Myanmar refugees, by making grants for construction of "Community Learning Centers" in bordering countries. BSB also provided help to schools that needed new furniture to support growing enrollments, install solar lighting systems, and repair existing building. Overall, BSB has worked to provide safe, secure learning environments for students in poor, underserved communities, including refugees.

The Build a School in India (BSI) program made grants to increase access to education primarily to disadvantaged students in rural India. Grant to Mata Balak Utkarsha Pratishthan, a multi-social service organization serving a large rural area, for operating costs and fund development. Grant to Utkarsh Vidyalaya, a school with 1,000 students, pre-KG through HS, for operating costs. Grant for operating costs of Jnana Prabodhini Harali school, 1st grade through HS, in a very rural area with about 250 students. Grant for operating costs to Anandaksaan Learning Center. To increase enrollment of disadvantaged students. Grant to Action for Self Reliance Hope. Support girls education 9th to 12th grades, including science, technology and English. Support for operating costs of Cochlea Pune for Hearing and Speech, an organization helping children with severe hearing impairment. A grant to Sondara Gurukulam Education Center for new curriculum and equipment for science courses.

"APC School" program made grants to support ongoing operations of Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center (APC) which provides an integrated and holistic education for the indigenous children and youth along the Pantaron Range of Mindanao, Philippines. The APC school works to promote and deepen cultural understanding while providing approximately 400 indigenous children with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently relate with mainstream Philippine society and advance in the formal education ladder.

The Myanmar humanitarian relief program provided help to people in need, particularly in border areas. Food and other emergency help was provided in several communities where there were shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies. Grants were made to churches, monastic organizations, and local NGO's who distributed aid directly to people.