Project PyitTineHtaung (ပစ်တိုင်းထောင်) was initiated and implemented by youth leaders from the undergraduate programs at Parami University. It is a grant-winning YSEALI YOUnified 2024 initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State and monitored by the U.S. Embassy Rangoon. YOUnified, YSEALI’s annual community service initiative on December 3, 2013, unites youth to tackle regional challenges through volunteerism, fostering leadership and community impact. The initiative aims to empower comprehensive sexual education and promote gender inclusivity by challenging socially constructed norms and stereotypes. It explores the concepts of gender and sexuality based on SOGIESC principles, engaging in discussions that reflect our diverse identities and lived experiences.
The team members, Myint Myat, Eaint Thet Hmu, May Phuu Thwel, and Phyu Phyu Han, are well-rounded and have a diverse range of knowledge and skills in civic engagement initiatives and community services, including media literacy, disaster management, public speaking, debate, and youth leadership, across Burma within the past three years.
PyitTineHtaung is a traditional toy that symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and the courage to never give up. The toy stays upright despite being knocked down. The team decided on the name PyitTineHtaung, which represents the resilient youths amidst many challenges, especially youths from rural areas like Magway. “PyitTineHtaung is a movement that challenges norms and conservative stereotypes since the symbol is also one of the trademarks of revolutionization. We also denote that it represents children, who are also our target audience.” Phyu Phyu Han added.
In addition, there were 10 Younified projects in 2024, and Project PyitTineHtaung is one of the two projects exclusively nominated by the Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer for follow-up funding. Project PyitTineHtaung's first initiative started in Magwe, and all phases of the project need to be completed no later than the first week of November 2024.
At the 11th YSEALI anniversary, the team had an opportunity to showcase their project along with 9 other YSEALI YOUnified projects and YSEALI Seeds for the Future projects. “It was our honor to talk with the DCM and the PAO about our initiative and exchange insights on why and how sexuality education needs to be familiar in schools,” said Myint Myat.
Under Project PyitTineHtaung, the team completed three key initiatives focusing on comprehensive sexuality education and gender awareness, benefiting hundreds of high school students and young people in three different places, including Yangon, Mandalay, and Magwe.
Flowering the Healthy Futures was the first initiative of Project PyitTineHtaung, which took place in Magwe, Burma. The one-day event aimed to bridge critical knowledge gaps in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and gender identity awareness for 118 high school students (ages 14 - 16) in a traditionally conservative region. In addition to a CSE Talk by Dr. Han Min Bo, covering reproductive health, contraception, and STIs, the event included an interactive discussion on embracing diversity, gender stereotypes, and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
Despite unexpected student turnout, the event created a safe space for open discussions, with students engaging in sensitive topics such as menstruation and sexual health. The project was implemented with the support of two partners: Q-Ed, which provides LGBTQ+ education resources, and Third Story Project, which supplies children’s books on puberty and gender awareness. The event exceeded expectations, fostering knowledge, acceptance, and empowerment among young students.
The second initiative, Mandalar Horizons, was organized at Jefferson Center Mandalay in Mandalay to promote gender inclusivity by challenging societal norms and fostering discussions on SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) through interactive activities, panel discussions, and creative expression.
Participants were divided into groups based on their prior exposure to SOGIESC concepts. Workshops and brainstorming sessions explored human dignity, gender stereotypes, and school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), followed by a panel discussion featuring experts sharing personal insights. The event concluded with an art therapy session, where participants painted tote bags to express their reflections on gender diversity.
With 73 participants (aged 15 - 25), the event successfully enhanced understanding of gender inclusivity, encouraged empathy, and sparked meaningful conversations. Feedback highlighted the desire for longer sessions and deeper discussions on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Through its educational, interactive, and creative approach, Mandalar Horizons effectively fostered mutual respect, inclusivity, and awareness among young individuals.
As a follow-up initiative to Mandalar Horizons, the short essay competition aimed to combat gender discrimination and school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) while fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of gender diversity. The competition was open to all students of PhaungDawOo Monastic Education School in Mandalay. Most participants were those who have completed the Basic SOGIESC Training or participated in Mandalar Horizons at Jefferson Center Mandalay.
The essays were written in English and Burmese under four different themes: 1) Personal Experience with Gender-Based Discrimination, 2) Societal Factors Contributing to Discrimination, 3) Analysis of Proverbs and Idioms Related to Gender, and 4) Personal Experiences of a Gender-Diverse Individual.
This competition provides a platform for young voices to challenge stereotypes, advocate for inclusivity, and promote gender equality through storytelling and analysis.
Eaint Thet Hmue never thought that children in her hometown, Magwe, could be that excited and open-minded about learning about this. They actively participated in guest speakers' Q&A sessions, discussions, and even ice-breaking activities that we had planned. “Thanks to them, all of our efforts were well rewarded! This personally keeps my sense of social responsibility growing in the midst of conflicts,” Eaint Thet Hmue highlighted.
May Phuu talked about the positive impact their project has on their community: “As we all undergo a transformation period as adults, I hope the participants get the CSE knowledge for their lifelong well-being and confidently embrace who they are.” Acquiring the right perspective on health and CSE from the event or further knowledge, she hopes they can also contribute to their community with care and empathy.
Phyu Han saw the project's success as a major milestone in 2024. Despite challenges, support from YSEALI, stakeholders, Dr. Han Min Bo, and engaged beneficiaries enabled them to deliver impactful sex education to rural students. The experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, civic education, and youth empowerment for rural communities. The team was highly satisfied with their project's success, as it exceeded expectations. Students' enthusiasm and engagement led to extended discussions.
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