Kayan Literacy Project: Keeping our culture alive
Today many Kayan people are unable to read or write in their own language because they never had the opportunity to learn in school. This project is about saving our culture. It is about uniting Kayan people around the world and being proud of who we are.
If we are to lose our language, this will be a great loss. Each language is a window into the world, that has its own unique history, culture and world view. If Kayan language disappears, then Kayan culture fades with it.
We must not let it disappear. We must keep this culture alive.
This is why every year since 2012 we visit the three Kayan villages on the Thailand/Myanmar border and also the Ban Mai Nai Soi Refugee camp to teach Kayan Literacy to Kayan people.
Kayan National Day Celebration: Cultural Pride and Unity
Our Kayan people are spread out across the globe. We live in Myanamar, we live in refugee camps and villages in Thailand and we live in third countries around the world. Kayan National day is about uniting our people, being proud of heritage, and brining awareness to the importance of keeping our culture alive.
KCDS works with local people and Kayan Ethnic Council (KyEC) in Mae Hong Son province, Thailand to organise the Kayan National Day celebration every April 10.
Financial Literacy Training: Foundations for Self-Development
We want our people to thrive, not just survive the day. The Financial Literacy Project is about equipping our Kayan people with the skills and knowledge to plan for their future, so that they can develop and improve their situation.
We run three-day Financial Literacy workshops in Middle Kayan Region in Myanmar and also in the Kayan Villages on the Thailand/Myanmar border. These workshops provide real practical financial planning and time management skills.
We welcome everyone to these workshops, but we strongly encourage families and women to attend.
The Boarding House Project: Education is Hope
Education is the foundation to developing our region and improving the lives of our Kayan people. We have to build up our children today, because they are our future leaders.
Currently only 5% of children in Middle Kayan Region in Myanmar finish high school. There are many obstacles standing in the way of children receiving education. There is only one high school for over 55 villages, and this means that children must walk very far through mountains every day if they are to attend school. Because of poverty, many children go to work in the farms instead of going to school.
This boarding house project came about after extensive conversations with school teachers, parents and children. The boarding house will allow 30 students each year the opportunity to stay somewhere safe and close to school where they will be able to continue their education.
We are currently in the process of raising funds and hope to commence building in April and 2014. For more information or to donate, please look at our crowdfunding campaign at http://www.gofundme.com/boardinghouse
Young Leadership Empowerment and Development Program
KCDS have started YLED program since 2017 to provide higher education to young people who graduated high school and can’t effort thier higher education.
Kayan Community Development Services 