ILO skills training boosts earthquake recovery in Southern Shan State

Community members complete vocational courses to rebuild livelihoods and support inclusive economic recovery in Myanmar.

12 February 2026

Group photo of around 60 training participants holding certificates together with ILO officials. — Graduates of the sewing skills training programme attended the closing ceremony on 29 January 2026, marking the completion of vocational training supported by the ILO

Yangon, Myanmar (ILO News) – More than 230 people, the majority women, have completed International Labour Organization (ILO)-supported vocational skills training to help rebuild livelihoods and accelerate economic recovery in earthquake-affected communities in Southern Shan State.

Launched in November 2025, the programme funded by the government of Japan equipped 233 participants – including 148 women – with practical skills in advanced sewing, traditional weaving, computer literacy, masonry and village development.

Dresses and Burmese longyi made by sewing and weaving training programme participants are being displayed at the sideline of closing ceremony of vocational training. — Dresses and Burmese longyi made by sewing and weaving training programme participants were at display at the sideline of closing ceremony of vocational training on 29 Jan 2026

The initiative formed part of the ILO’s broader Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP), which promotes post-earthquake recovery through job creation, infrastructure rehabilitation and livelihood restoration. Since August 2025, EIIP infrastructure recovery activities generated short-term employment opportunities for 1,376 local job seekers.

Recognizing that infrastructure work attracts greater interest from men, the programme introduced sewing, textile production and computer literacy courses following community consultations to expand opportunities for women. The practical, hands-on training strengthened participants’ technical skills, employability and income-generating potential.

Su Myat Mon, won first prize in her sewing course and received in-kind support on completion of the training. She said: “Through this training, I gained the skills to start rebuilding my livelihood after the earthquake. Winning first prize motivates me to continue improving my work and use this support to generate income for my family. More importantly, after the two-month training, I feel confident in becoming self-reliant.”

A training participant receives in-kind support after their completion of advanced sewing training at closing ceremony of vocational training. — Sewing training participants received in-kind support after their completion of advanced sewing training

Yutong Liu, ILO Liaison Officer for Myanmar, highlighted the importance of integrating skills development into recovery initiatives: “Skills training is essential to rebuilding lives and livelihoods,” he said. “By investing in women and men alike, we are helping communities recover in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in decent work.”

The ILO Liaison Office will build on these results by continuing to implement entrepreneurship training initiatives with its social partners.