Introduction

Since 2021, the Institute of Chin Affairs Inc. (ICA) has been dedicated to providing essential services in education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. This report highlights ICA’s contributions in 2024.

Education

To address the shortage of teachers in schools in Zokhawthar village, Mizoram State, India, where a large number of Myanmar refugees reside, the ICA has been supporting 6 teachers since June 2022. Additionally, since June 2023, ICA has supported Ebenezer Community School in Uilui Refugee Camp, where 10 teachers provide education to refugee students.

In 2024, ICA facilitated the distribution of school supplies, uniforms, classroom renovations, and the construction of school toilets, benefiting over 5,000 refugee students across Lunglei, Aizawl, Uilui, Zokhawthar, Zote, and Lawngtlai. In parts of southern and northern Chin State, educational materials worth over 150 million Myanmar Kyats were provided to villages in need (specific locations are not disclosed for security reasons).

From October 2023 to October 2024, ICA supported over 550 teachers, educating more than 6,000 students in Falam Township, Chin State. Since July 2024, ICA has also been assisting 14 university students pursuing higher education in India.

To enhance the skills and performance of teachers and staff, a total of 10 teacher education training sessions were conducted in Chin State and Mizoram State throughout 2024.  Additionally, in response to requests from Myanmar refugee parents, a one-year Myanmar/Chin language course for Myanmar refugee children (ages 6–13) has been launched in Aizawl on November 9, 2024

In collaboration with Mizoram University (MZU), the ICA launched a one-year Myanmar language and speaking course in October 2022. Both the first batch (2022–2023) and the second batch (2023–2024) were successfully completed.

Health care

Since May 2022, ICA has operated Lailun Medical Centre in Zokhawthar village, Mizoram, providing daily healthcare and emergency surgical treatments. Mobile medical services have also been extended to refugee camps in Aizawl and Champhai districts.

In February and March 2024, in collaboration with partner organizations, ICA facilitated medical treatment for over 640 refugees in Zokhawthar, including free eye surgeries for 45 patients. Additionally, a guesthouse in New Delhi was rented to accommodate Myanmar nationals receiving medical treatment.

In 2023, ICA established Lailun Hospital in Falam Township, Chin State, near the Indian border. In 2024, the hospital served over 3,500 patients. A second facility, Lailun Charity Hospital, opened in April 2024, providing care for over 2,000 patients.

With a team of three doctors, eight nurses, and support staff, ICA has provided free medical services to over 30,000 patients in Chin State and nearly 20,000 displaced Myanmar individuals in Mizoram. ICA remains committed to ongoing healthcare support.

Humanitarian Aid

In 2024, ICA provided nearly 100 million Myanmar Kyats in aid to displaced civilians across Paletwa, Matupi, Kanpalet, Mindat, Tedim, Tonzang, and Falam townships in Chin State, covering food, clothing, and other necessities

In Mizoram refugee camps, ICA donated materials for camp construction, household supplies, food, and hygiene products worth nearly 1 million Indian Rupees, benefiting over 5,000 displaced persons. Additionally, in partnership with the Asian Highway Movement, ICA contributed over $21,000 to support education, healthcare, and camp construction for more than 10,000 displaced individuals in Manipur, India.

Water tanks were provided to displaced communities in Zokhawthar at a rate of three per camp. Each household received rice, oil, salt, and beans in three distribution rounds. Essential supplies worth 2 million Indian Rupees were donated, benefiting over 15,000 individuals.

Mine risk awareness, airstrike preparedness, civilian safety training, and emergency first aid training were also provided for displaced people and local communities. Additionally, these training sessions were conducted in person for displaced camp leaders along the India-Myanmar border, enabling them to share their knowledge with the residents of their respective camps.

Since December 2022, ICA has organized annual Christmas programs for displaced persons. The third event, held on December 19, 2024, in Zokhawthar, welcomed around 300 refugees, with vitamin supplements distributed to elderly participants.

Conclusion

The ICA’s assistance efforts were made possible through the generous donations and support of its partner organizations and donors. However, these contributions covered only a fraction of the actual needs of displaced individuals and local communities affected by the conflict. To bridge this gap, broader humanitarian aid from both local and international organizations is urgently needed to provide essential support to those in crisis.

Feature image: Students playing during their break at Ebenezer Community School (August 2024).