Bridge the Gap: STEM Education for Knyaw Youth
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Background: The Karen People and the Need for Education
The Karen people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Myanmar. For decades, they’ve faced displacement, violence, and marginalization due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. As a result, many families have fled across the border into Thailand, where they live in refugee camps or informal settlements with limited access to education and opportunity.
In these communities, education - especially in science, technology, engineering, and math - is almost nonexistent. Most students have never used a computer, done a science lab, or seen how engineering can solve real-world problems. Schools often rely on rote memorization rather than problem-solving or critical thinking. Students are taught to copy, not to create.
But these youth are curious, resilient, and hungry to learn. They just need a chance.
Prometheus Institute of Technology
In 2021, we founded the Prometheus Institute of Technology on the Myanmar-Thai border with one goal:
- To educate Karen people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
We began by teaching the basics: Algebra, Physics, and Computer Literacy. Many students didn’t know how to type. But over the last 3 years, they’ve grown in incredible ways.
Today, our students can:
- Design 3D models and 3D print custom parts
- Built electronics and programmed Arduino microcontrollers
- Create websites with both Frontend and Backend
- Teach Physics and Algebra at Thoo Mweh Khee (TMK) schools, now with experiments and labs
- Develop engineering projects that solve real problems in their communities
These students are not just learning—they are teaching, creating, and leading.
Why We Are Raising Funds
Despite their growth, our students face a major challenge: a lack of equipment and resources. We're raising $25,000 to support them in three key ways:
A. Engineering Labs & Equipment
To truly understand science and engineering, students need to experiment and apply what they learn. Your donation will help us purchase:
- Pasco Physics Lab Stations
- Model 300A PLASTIC INJECTION MACHINE
- AWS Cloud Service
B. Real-World Community Projects
We want students to build projects that help their people. These include:
- IoT Smart Farming Systems to automate irrigation
- Wind Turbines to provide electricity in off-grid areas
- Interactive Physics Simulations to help future students understand tough concepts
C. Student Stipends
Our students not only learn—they also:
- Teach STEM subjects to other youth
- Help run the institute
- Build community-focused projects
They work long hours with passion and purpose. A $1,000/year stipend per student helps support their time and encourages them to continue their journey.
How You Can Help
Donate – Every dollar counts toward changing a life
Share – Spread the word with your friends and networks
Sponsor – Contact us to support specific students or programs long-term
Together, we can empower the next generation of Karen engineers and educators—and build a future where they are no longer left behind.
Thank you for believing in them!
Organizer
Prometheus Institute of Technology
Organizer
Waukesha, WI