Hi everyone. My name is 'Teacher Simon'. I'm a British Science and English teacher living and teaching in Myanmar (Burma) since 2012. I teach at international and private schools in this country (in Yangon, Naypyitaw and Mandalay), and use a portion of my monthly salary to support my own charity - TeacherSimon.org

I haven't used a photo of sad-looking Burmese kids for this campaign. I don't want to 'tug at heart-strings'. Instead, here's a photo of my tough little motorbike that I use to travel when I visit the orphanages and monastery schools in Shan State.

This charity exists to provide educational learning resources for those young students who are in orphanages or monastery schools, and do not have the means to buy their own school books, or need direct assistance to improve their spoken English. (Knowledge of spoken English) greatly assists the students to obtain employment when they leave school, in hotels and restaurants, or as tour guides.

Since my income is low, I target my efforts and expenditure, rather than 'throwing mud at the wall and hope some sticks!'. I personally visit each orphanage or home, note how many students and their age grades and academic needs, then donate books, posters and learning software accordingly. I created an Android app that students and local teachers can use to practice good English pronunciation and learn new vocabulary, as well as watch learning videos offline, without the need for an internet connection.

Most other charities have left this country, because of the real dangers. At my advanced age, I prefer to stay and help in their absence :) Right now, I am in central north Myanmar, with the fighting only 13km away.

I appreciate any donation, however small. $5 buys 5 bilingual story books or school books, and I always receive discounts because the shops and taxi drivers here in Myanmar know what I'm doing to help their children. Every cent or penny is used to buy educational resources. There are no deductions for administration expenses. Travel costs, photocopying etc come out of my own pocket. Local tour guides transport my boxes of books to the orphanages for free, in case I am unable to travel there.

To date, I have helped more than 3,000 young students in Myanmar. Your small donation can help me to do so much more :)

Finally, please note that I am not religious. I offer my help without any pre-conditions or expectations in return. Thank-you for reading about my little charity and I hope you can help!