Post-Secondary Education Forum
Background
Over the past three decades, community leaders, through community-based organizations (CBOs) and local development agencies, have led non-state, non-profit education and training programs for migrant and refugee students and youths, ethnic, minority communities in rural, remote, and hard-to-access places, conflict-affected areas, and underserved urban communities, who have long been marginalized and neglected by the state education system. These initiatives provide essential preparation for higher education and employment, addressing common challenges more effectively. However, despite their impactful work, the need for capacity building for technical administration management and resources still needs to be recognized. The funding opportunities are also very limited.
Given the limited resources, capacities, and opportunities for high-quality post- secondary education and subsequent higher educational development in Myanmar and its border areas, there is a pressing need for a collaborative platform to promote, support, and help these independently-run non-state and non-profit educational providers known to funders and other stakeholders.
In 2022, a conference coordination committee (CCC) hosted a successful two-day virtual Post-Secondary Education Conference that connected various programs, featuring 43 presenters and over 200 participants. Positive feedback underscored the necessity for ongoing engagement among education programs in Myanmar and its border areas. Building on this momentum, a pilot project called the Post-Secondary Education Forum (PSEF) was launched in September 2023.
The first pilot phase focused on understanding some non-state and non-profit post-secondary education providers' needs, challenges, and achievements. It included non-state and non-profit ethnic and community- based higher education initiatives in Myanmar and its border areas, as well as collaborative solutions. A workshop is proposed to form a dedicated committee, establish an organizational structure, and plan strategic activities in the pilot's second phase. It also emphasizes stakeholder inclusivity to ensure ownership and sustained commitment.
Goal
To establish PSEF as a highly effective and recognized educational
platform, addressing the common needs and challenges of non-
state and non-profit post-secondary education providers,
including non-state and non-profit ethnic-national and
community-based higher education initiatives in Myanmar and its
border areas.
Pilot Activities .
Knowledge Sharing
PSEF excels in unique and impactful knowledge sharing, addressing the critical need for effective educational programs. Having convened sharing sessions with over total 100 participants, PSEF empowers stakeholders by facilitating learning from pioneers. These events provide a dynamic platform for exchanging insights and best practices, helping programs thrive by building on prior experiences.
Rapid Assessment
PSEF conducts rapid assessments to understand education providers' needs, challenges, and achievements through research, surveys, meetings, knowledge- sharing sessions, and stakeholder mapping. It shares and advocates these findings at regular meetings to enhance collaboration and improve the quality and accessibility of non- state and non-profit post-secondary education programs, including ethnic- national and community-based higher education initiatives in Myanmar and its border areas.
Grant Writing Support
Given the limited capacity and time constraints for some non-state and non-profit post-secondary education programs, including ethnic-national and community-based higher education initiatives in Myanmar and its border areas, PSEF offers grant application /proposal writing support as part of its networking conditions. This service aims to assist some of their fundraising activities. Interested post-secondary education and tertiary providers need to book a meeting at least three days in advance to ensure adequate preparation and support.
PSEF’s future aspirations and core beliefs are encapsulated in its
mission and vision.
Mission
To design and implement strategic initiatives that foster collaboration among non- state and non-profit post-secondary education providers, including non-state and non-profit ethnic and community-based higher education initiatives, enhancing educational quality and access in Myanmar and beyond.
Vision
To be a leading collaborative platform uniting non-state and non-profit post- secondary education providers, which include non-state and non-profit ethnic and community-based higher education initiatives in Myanmar and its border areas, driving program enhancement and fostering robust partnerships.
