About Us

Our Vision

RISE aims to promote the retention and promotion of indigenous language, culture, history, identity and participation.

Our Mission

For all Indigenous children in Myanmar have access to high quality, culturally appropriate education.

Our Objectives

• Promote indigenous knowledge, language and culture.
• Ensure access to quality; culturally appropriate education for Indigenous Peoples.
• Engage community members and families around education issues in their communities.
• Advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples in particular concerning Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, language, cultural heritage, and education rights.

Our Values

• Openness, Transparency, and Accountability: Foster a culture of integrity and trust through honest communication and responsible actions by all staff, members, and project participants.
• Local Knowledge, Ownership, and Participation: Empower communities by valuing their insights, promoting active involvement, and ensuring initiatives are locally led and sustained.
• Mutual Respect: Build relationships grounded in dignity and understanding, embracing the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals.
• Collaboration and Cooperation: Work collectively to achieve shared goals, leveraging strengths and fostering synergy across diverse stakeholders.
• Harmonious Coexistence: Uphold and celebrate the coexistence of plural identities, cultures, languages, perspectives, and knowledge systems, ensuring inclusivity and mutual respect.
• Diversity as Enrichment: Recognize diversity as a source of strength and innovation, enriching experiences and enhancing the quality of outcomes.

Our Brief History

RISE was established in 2010 as Eastern Burma Community Schooling Project (EBCS) by the leaders of multiple ethnic groups on the principles of promoting Indigenous knowledge and action within a pan-ethnic forum. RISE (as EBCS) started off implementing mobile teacher training for remote, conflict affected and Indigenous communities. On 5th February 2017, EBCS (Eastern Burma Community Schooling Project) was transformed to RISE by eight founding member organizations.

Who we are

Rural Indigenous Sustainable Education (RISE) is an organization representing Indigenous Peoples across Myanmar. RISE was established by a collective of Indigenous education focused organizations, which work together and support their own communities in remote, often conflict-affected areas across Myanmar.

RISE has developed from the Eastern Burma Community Schooling project, which has been supporting education in Indigenous communities in Myanmar since 2011.