Myanmar: Supporting marginalized populations in the face of social and health challenges
Since 1992, FXB Switzerland has been actively promoting sustainable development and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar, where it is registered as an international non-governmental organization.
Context
This country has suffered from recurrent political conflicts since its independence in 1948. In 2021, a new crisis erupted, with the return of the military to power, bringing to an end a short decade of transition to democracy. The last few years have been traumatic for the people of Myanmar, characterized by unprecedented levels of human suffering.
Many of the country's impressive development achievements of the last 15 years are now being wiped out. Political instability has intensified armed conflicts between the military junta and various armed ethnic groups. Today, almost half the population lives below the poverty line.
Our work in Myanmar
1 FXB Floating Clinics: To give people living along the Irrawaddy River access to adequate healthcare.
To ensure that isolated populations living along the Irrawaddy River have access to adequate health and preventive care, two cruise ships have been transformed into floating clinics. Each is equipped with a consultation room, pharmacy and space for minor surgery, gynaecological consultations, dental and ophthalmological care. Training is also provided in health prevention and gender-based violence.
More than 50,000 services are provided each year, significantly improving access to healthcare and preventive actions, and covering more than 40% of the population in the catchment area. To cope with the collapse of the health system and maximize the project's impact, 400 community health workers have already been trained. They play an essential role in providing first aid, home-based neonatal care and strengthening community knowledge of health issues, including sexual and reproductive health and the prevention of gender-based violence.
2. help young people acquire skills and facilitate their entry into the world of work
Every year, 250 young people are trained through the vocational training program, both at the FXB Vocational Training Center in Yangon and through the Itinerant Vocational Training Units, which reach out to young people and displaced persons living in regions with no access to these services.
The program offers a range of training courses lasting up to 24 months, in fields such as tailoring, interior design, weaving, woodworking, metalworking and hospitality. Every day, the FXB Center in Yangon also welcomes around thirty vulnerable children who have dropped out of school, offering them informal education adapted to their needs.
All our apprentices receive practical and theoretical training, as well as instruction aimed at boosting their day-to-day skills and self-esteem. Graduates are supported every step of the way in their job search, right through to securing a decent employment contract. Those who opt for self-employment receive financial support to launch their micro-business, as well as mentoring until their project is a success.
Our showroom, located in downtown Yangon, offers a varied collection of furniture, lamps, fabrics, rugs, curtains, eco-friendly pens, clothing and toys. It is aimed at local customers, as well as expatriates, hotels, companies and visiting tourists. These high-quality items are made by some fifteen FXB graduates.
3. protecting women and girls first
FXB promotes access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and rights, while working to eliminate violence against women and girls in several states. It also runs shelters for survivors of gender-based violence, in a context where deep-rooted discrimination perpetuates a culture of impunity and tolerance for violations of women's rights.
These actions are integrated transversally into FXB's other projects, notably through floating clinics, FXB Villages and vocational training programs, to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach.
4. HIV/AIDS: Reducing the number of new infections
Through our Sunday Empowerment Group (SEG) project, a combined approach of interventions is implemented with sex workers and other key populations. The aim is to improve access to HIV testing services, guarantee effective care through access to antiretroviral therapy, and ensure continuity of care.
Psychosocial support is also offered to people living with HIV, to strengthen their resilience and enable them to lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges of the disease. Improved health outcomes are based in particular on better referral to the national AIDS program, guaranteeing appropriate and sustainable medical follow-up.
5 Combating the multidimensional causes of poverty: 4 economic and community development projects VillageFXB
The VillageFXB model has been implemented in the Mon and Kayin states since 2017. More than 2,500 adults and children received sliding-scale support over three years: the time needed to make the transition from extreme poverty to sustainable economic and social autonomy. These projects have also had an impact on some 40,000 community members.
After receiving training in finance and project management, the beneficiary families were given start-up capital to create income-generating activities (micro-businesses) and actively participate in Village Savings and Credit Associations (VSCAs). They also benefited from food aid at the start of the project, enabling them to regain a satisfactory state of health. This has given them the energy they need to invest fully in their economic activities, while their children are better able to continue their schooling.
Over the course of the three years, the project provided comprehensive support, including schooling and vocational training for children and young people, access to adequate healthcare and improved housing conditions and sanitary infrastructures. They were given the opportunity to acquire key skills in health and social issues, thus promoting their overall development and guaranteeing the project's lasting impact on their quality of life.
FXB has also integrated resilience and adaptation to the impacts of climate change into its activities, ensuring that marginalized communities are prepared to face the environmental challenges that disproportionately affect them.
Equality between women and men is not only a fundamental human right, it is also a condition of possibility for a prosperous and sustainable world. As such, particular attention is paid to the economic empowerment of women and the promotion of their leadership. Because women play a key role in the development of their communities, FXB implements specific activities to strengthen their skills, promote their access to sustainable economic opportunities and enhance their role as agents of change, notably by encouraging their active participation in decision-making within their families and communities. The aim is also to raise community awareness of domestic and sexual violence, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
FXB aims to replicate this model in other Myanmar states with similar socio-economic challenges, in order to maximize its large-scale positive impact and foster lasting change for vulnerable communities. This model offers several strategic advantages:
- It is relatively simple to implement, even in complex contexts.
- It is economically viable, as its cost is reasonable in relation to the impact achieved.
- It strengthens community resilience by combining interventions adapted to local realities.
Our impact in Myanmar
have been impacted by our programs since 1993.
have received degressive support over three years since 2017 through the VillageFXB model.
are trained every year thanks to the vocational training program, both at the FXB Vocational Training Center in Yangon and through the Itinerant Vocational Training Units,
The economic and community development efforts of the VillageFXB model, combined with improved access to healthcare, education and vocational training, aim to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the most vulnerable communities.
At the same time, our actions to raise awareness of key issues such as HIV, human trafficking, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights have had a significant impact on many lives.
FXB has also responded nimbly to humanitarian emergencies, leading reconstruction operations after natural disasters such as Cyclone Nargis and other major floods.
This comprehensive approach, combining long-term development programs and emergency relief, demonstrates FXB's commitment to providing holistic and sustainable support to communities in Myanmar.
Life's journey
Moet Moet had to leave elementary school to support her family. Despite her lack of education, she was able to complete a 24-month sewing training course at the FXB Center in Yangon. Thanks to her strong will and FXB's support, she opened her own sewing workshop after graduating two years ago. Today, she generates a net income of around $100 a month, enabling her to support herself and her family.
"Beyond the technical skills, I've learned to trust myself and believe in the future. This training has given me real inner strength and a more serene outlook on my life."