Edward Than joined us here at Newman in halls of residence in 2004/5. Before Ed could start his teaching degree he had to complete his Access to higher Education at a local college first. Ed, studied on the Primary Education course at Newman, whilst studying Edward also worked for the University Catering Department in the main kitchen and in the bar. He also worked for Costa Coffee in the old Pavilions shopping Centre every Saturday and Sunday. Edward used most of the Money he earnt in the UK to send back to his family in Myanmar (Then widely called Burma). Edwards wife and two children were not able to join him in the UK for his studies. Edward Completed his degree at Newman in 2010, and moved back to Burma in the November of that year, after being able to stay long enough to attend graduation.

Once Edward returned to Myanmar he used his degree to open an English language centre, at the beginning this was focussed on providing additional English tutoring to children after and before school and at the weekends for a variety of age groups. Edward would also provide free English sessions to Buddhist and Catholic Monks and Nuns in order for them to help engage with others. Overtime they have managed grow the centre in to more, With Edwards wife providing elementary education, and Edward teaching the older students. Edward also provides some time to other International Schools, to share his knowledge on the UK education system, and teaching English.

Edward and his family regularly attend services at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Taunggyi, and are active in the wider Church community.

Those that remember Edward as a student, will remember an individual who got involved, was always smiling, he regularly cooked for people in Halls, to encourage us all to try Burmese food (It always tasted amazing!!!!) He Did find it hard being away from his family for so long, but he didn’t let that interfere with him completing his studies, so he could return home and help others with what he had learnt.

Unfortunately, after many good years at home, Edward, like so many others in Myanmar is struggling due to the massively destabilised economy and health and education services.

Then on 28th March, central Myanmar was hit by a massive 7.7 earthquake, which has caused devastation across the whole of the country. This has left many not being able to access food and medicines. It has also closed many schools. In Edwards case this has left him unable to teach in their small school, and therefore he is unable to continue providing a valuable service to the community in Taunggyi. It also means he has no income to provide for himself or his family.

We are asking for those that remember Edward, and those who don’t to make a small contribution to help get Edwards family through this bad time, but also more importantly to enable Edward to find a new place to teach from, and provide some normality to the children and others he helps.

As his friends from his Newman days, Lewis (Palin) and Margaret (Holland) and the chaplaincy here at Birmingham Newman University want to show our solidarity with Edward and the people of Myanmar in their hour of need.

All funds will be transferred in full to Edward via Western Union and full details will be shared here. Funds will be spent to support Edward and his family in their immediate need and in turn used to re-open his school.