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In the shadow of an imposing Buddhist monastery, hundreds of students spend hours each day focusing on their schoolwork. They sit on sturdy chairs behind wooden desks, and their teachers instruct them with new blackboards and other supplies.

Just a few months ago, none of the parents dreamed their children would ever have an opportunity for a quality education. Their previous ramshackle school building was blown apart by Cyclone Nargis’ winds last year.

“Even before the storm, the school was in such bad shape,” a resident said. “It would have fallen down with or without Nargis. Many parents did not bother to send their children there.”

Samaritan’s Purse partnered with local Christians immediately after the storm to provide food and other relief. As the emergency phase subsided, we began to focus on rebuilding schools.

“We know education is a key component in long-term recovery,” a staff member said. “Young people have to be given the opportunity to lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty.”

Samaritan’s Purse built the school and provided all of the furniture and supplies needed to start classes. This building accommodates 887 students each day—so many that they have started conducting classes in two shifts.

“Children are coming from other villages,” said Aye, the headmistress. “Some travel down the river by boat to reach this place.”

The village was closed to the Gospel, but now people are eagerly listening as our staff tells them about the hope found in Jesus Christ.

“We asked the Christians why they would bring these heavy materials so far and work so hard to give us a new school,” Aye said. “They told us about the Bible. The Christian God is very good.”

Our work was also noticed by the school’s neighbors living in the Buddhist monastery.

“I had never met a Christian before,” the senior monk said. “I did not have a good opinion of your religion. Now I see that your Jesus is more than I thought He was.”