Childhood is a time of extraordinary growth. There are skills to learn, relationships to build, emotions to experience, and milestones to reach. 

This process can be challenging anywhere, but imagine navigating childhood in a displacement camp, where every aspect of your world is uncertain—from the food you eat to the education you have access to. 

Growing Up While Displaced 

That’s the situation 12-year-old Neang is in.  

Separated from her parents at an early age, Neang lives in a displacement camp in Myanmar with her extended family. As the oldest child, she regularly cares for her younger cousins, but she receives little attention from other adults at home. 

Living apart from her parents deeply affected Neang’s mental health. She was often withdrawn, rarely spoke, and avoided making friends with other children. When conflict occurred in the camp, she would become anxious and fearful, but she lacked a trusted adult in whom she could confide. 

Neang is one of millions of children in Myanmar who need humanitarian aid to survive.  

Since the military takeover in February 2021, roughly 1.3 million children have been displaced internally, living in temporary settlements where families are struggling to earn a regular income to meet their everyday needs. This unstable environment disrupts their development and puts their future in jeopardy.

Studies show that displacement causes childhood problems such as: 

  • Ill health from infectious diseases, malnutrition, and lack of access to healthcare services 
  • Mental illnesses, commonly PTSD, anxiety and depression 
  • Child exploitation, with increased risk of child labour or forced recruitment 
  • Developmental delays, such as social and cognitive development 
  • Schooling disruptions, as relocating often halts a child’s schooling and limits their opportunities in the future. 

How Communities Are Changing The Story 

Despite these challenges, displaced community members in Myanmar are working together to care for children in their midst, with the support of our local Christian Partners. 

Together with our Partners, they’re providing learning opportunities, creating makeshift structures so children have a space to learn, providing meals, and operating safe spaces, called Child Friendly Spaces. 

When the community opened a Child Friendly Space in Neang’s displacement camp, she was invited to participate in activities, which focused on life skills, mental health support, and building positive relationships.  

Though hesitant at first, over time, Neang began to open up as she experienced kindness and acceptance from the staff members, volunteers and other children.  

“She slowly started making friends,” a staff member said. “She actively participates in activities, confidently sharing her thoughts and opinions in class. She says she now feels very happy attending the sessions, and has developed strong, positive relationships with the staff and other children.”  

Family members have also noticed a positive change in Neang, reporting that she has become more communicative and confident at home.  

“She now thinks more carefully, understands right and wrong more clearly, and values herself as a person,” added the staff member. 

“Most importantly, she has begun to dream about her future and believes that her life has meaning.” 

How You Can Help 

Neang’s transformation is a powerful reminder that when children are supported, they can flourish—even in the most difficult circumstances. Please join us in praying for children living in displacement camps across Myanmar. Pray for: 

  • Healing and support, especially for children who have experienced trauma, loss and separation from loved ones. 
  • Parents, caregivers and extended families, who are doing their best to care for children while facing immense uncertainty themselves. 
  • Our local Christian Partners and volunteers, that God would strengthen, encourage and equip them as they serve children and families affected by displacement. 
  • Peace in Myanmar, and for a future where families can live safely in their communities and children can grow up free from conflict and fear. 

Thank you for standing with children and families in Myanmar. If you’ve given before, please know that your support is making a real difference. As needs continue to grow, you can give again here.