Ter Kwe Community-Based Organization Myanmar

Location: Ye Township, Mon State, Myanmar

Background

Established in 2021 following the military coup, Ter Kwe Community-Based Organization (CBO) operates in Ye Township, Mon State, within the territory of Karen National Union Brigade-6. The organisation’s initial focus was to open a community-based school for children under 13 years old. Today, the school serves 44 children with five dedicated teachers.

Starting with just four members, Ter Kwe expanded its team after conducting research on the impact of gravel extraction on the community. By the end of 2022, ten additional volunteers joined as community researchers. With support from Forum Asia and Karen Peace Support Networks, Ter Kwe published a research paper, which led to the establishment of a 12-month youth school in 2023.

The youth school, staffed by five in-house trainers and guest teachers, offered courses in social science, English, Karen literacy, peace and conflict studies, and politically relevant topics such as democracy, federalism, and gender equality. Sixteen youths graduated from the programme in March 2024, committing to use their knowledge and skills to benefit their communities.

Ter Kwe continues to grow under the collective leadership of its members. In October 2023, the organisation opened a second community-based school for primary children in a different village, now serving 50 children with six community teachers. Ter Kwe CBO remains dedicated to empowering youth and children in conflict-affected areas, equipping them to engage with local governance and contribute to their communities.