MEMBERS of an American non-government organisation, Teachers Across Borders, have for the first time presented a special education program in Myanmar.

The program, involving seven members of Teachers Across Borders, was presented at the University of Education in Yangon from July 5 to 17.

The Ministry of Education chose 119 academics from universities and colleges of education and high school teachers to participate in the program.

They had the option of choosing one of seven subjects taught by members of the NGO.

The subjects included literature, geographical analysis, fostering critical thinking skills through literacy development in English, information technology, and the global implications of Myanmar rainforests.

“We are here to help, assist and share our experience in teaching methodologies with Myanmar teachers,” said the leader of the visiting Teachers Across Borders group, Daw Win Win Kyi, a professor at Yale University.

“Our aim is to educate ourselves and others so our nations will become more educated for the benefit of all,” said Daw Win Win Kyi, a Myanmar who has lived in the US for 40 years.

Teachers Across Borders was founded in January 2002 and comprises about 1500 members, all of whom volunteer their services at their own expense.

Its members have taught in China, India, Japan and South Korea and many other countries throughout the world.

Daw Win Win Kyi, who has 30 years experience as a teacher, said one of the challenges of the program was the different cultures the volunteers encountered.

“But in the end we believe that all teachers are alike; it does not matter whether you are the teacher from the United States or Myanmar or another country,” she said.

“Our mission is the essence of education.”