Education for the poorest but the brightest

On the outskirts of Mandalay, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), is a former Leprosarium where a group of Columbans were kept under guard by the Japanese from 1942 to the end of the war. One of them, the late Fr Thomas Murphy, was fatally injured when a Japanese shell exploded as he was celebrating Mass on 16 March, 1945. So this building has strong emotional ties for all Columbans.


In more recent times, the building had been left unused for many years until Columban Fr Neil Magill saw its potential, had it repaired and founded the Mandalay Archdiocesan Higher Education Centre on the site. This Centre celebrated the 5th anniversary of its opening on 15 February this year. The Centre aims to prepare some of the poorest but brightest Myanmese students by providing high quality tertiary education for 30 students annually, over a three- year period. The Centre has 90 students in total. The aim is to help them achieve their potential and become leaders in both their civil and church communities, opening up employment opportunities that would otherwise be totally beyond their reach.

The curriculum of the Centre is broad, diverse and rooted in the Catholic faith. It includes English, Computer Studies, Human Rights, Music and Catholic Social Teaching. During their studies students 'practice what they learn' by going each week to Buddhist monasteries to teach children who cannot afford to go to school. They also visit a Centre for those living with HIV/AIDS, and an orphanage.

The first graduates of the Higher Education Centre are now back working in their parishes, diocesan offices, with Caritas and other faith-based, non-governmental organisations. They work on various projects such as micro-finance, HIV/AIDS awareness, disaster relief, human trafficking and child-protection seminars. Some have continued their studies, and four have obtained Bachelor Degrees in Religious Studies from the Philippines. Seven others are doing similar degree courses; others have studied one year with the Institute of Jesus Sisters in Yangon to become teachers of a method similar to that used in Montessori schools.

The Centre is helping change the future of a country which for half a century has only known military rule and international isolation. The students are full of enthusiasm and anxious to learn. We share the stories of three of the students below.

Law’s Story

In my family there are ten persons including my parents. They have had to struggle for their daily living and are now quite old. I haven’t visited them for four years because I am studying in Mandalay and also during the holidays I attend University Distance Education. So, I am trying to support not only my family but also other young people who cannot study well. As a poor person, there are many struggles and daily problems, made worse without education. I want to thank our benefactors, also Columban Fr Neil, the Sisters and staff and indeed all the students because I gain much knowledge, experience and maturity in living with them. The Centre has made my dreams come true. Had I not been given this opportunity, I wouldn’t speak English properly; I would have struggled in my career and might have had to do hard physical work in Chin State or elsewhere.

Monica’s Story

My family is poor. My dad is a ruby miner, my mum a traditional teacher. I am the youngest of the family. Before coming to the Centre I couldn’t understand a simple English sentence. I simply memorised all my lessons by rote for many years. Now I can understand lots and can speak quite well. It has improved my education, spiritual life and daily behaviour. Were I not studying in the Centre I would be sewing and weaving traditional clothes or feeding the pigs. I might be attending just a few courses. The Centre has given me a good opportunity so that I can implement my future well.

Luke’s Story

My parents weren’t educated; my elder brothers didn’t go to school when they were young, so now they are daily agricultural and construction workers with a very low salary. Despite this they have supported me, the youngest of the family, to get an education. When I passed my matriculation exam I had no way to learn English, Computers, Human Rights and Justice. The Centre is one place I will never forget because it changed my life. It has taught me to be a mature and good person. Sometimes I think my life started at the Centre. And for this I will always be thankful.

How can you help?

The Higher Education Centre is a new educational initiative and we need continual financial support for the refurbishment and repair of the building. Of particular need, at the present time is the Chapel, which also serves as a meditation room and where we have daily Mass.

The Centre is a long way from the market where essential food and other supplies are purchased for the 90 students and teachers. A daily visit to the market is necessary and a truck or van is needed for this and for transporting students to their various pastoral postings.

The running of the Centre is a collaborative effort between the Columbans and the Archdiocese. Your gift will help the Centre to continue its important service to some of the poorest and brightest young people of Myanmar.

Donate online or phone the Columban Mission Centre on +61 3 9375 9475.  Alternatively, you can mail your donation by downloading our Mid-Year Appeal - Donation Form (pdf).


Fr Neil Magill SSC is a Columban missionary priest based in Myanmar.


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