Academy of Care

Funded by the European Union, the Academy of Care (AoC) is implemented by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar through a new three-year project phase (2026 – 2029) that supports creative and community-based approaches to care, wellbeing, and psychosocial support in Myanmar.

Cohort 5: Open Call

AOC Main Visual 2026 © Goethe-Institut Myanmar

The European Union flag on the left with the text "Funded by the European Union" on the right © European Union

About

What is the Academy of Care?

The Academy of Care (AoC) is a Myanmar-based initiative that develops creative, community-based approaches to care, well-being, and psychosocial support in Myanmar.

AoC brings together people from different backgrounds—including community workers, educators, mental health practitioners, artists and other care practitioners—to learn, practise and exchange approaches that use creative arts as tools for care and wellbeing.

The Academy places particular value on approaches that are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, participatory and rooted in local communities.

© AOC/Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Why does AoC matter?

Across Myanmar, many people and communities face challenges that affect emotional wellbeing and access to care and support. Mental health and wellbeing can also be difficult topics to discuss, while available support is not always easy to access or well adapted to local contexts.

AoC works with people who are already connected to and trusted within their communities—including community workers, educators, youth leaders, artists and care practitioners. By building on their knowledge, relationships, and experience, AoC supports creative approaches to care that respond to diverse community needs and contexts.

Through learning, creative practice, peer exchange and community-based activities, AoC aims to contribute to a growing culture of care and wellbeing across Myanmar.

Our Vision

A stronger, more connected ecosystem of creative and community-based care in Myanmar, where people and communities have greater access to culturally sensitive approaches that support emotional wellbeing, resilience and connection.

Our Approach

AoC explores creative ways of supporting care and wellbeing. We use art, music, drama, and expressive art therapy approaches to encourage expression, connection, reflection and participation. Our approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and rooted in communities. We work with people who are already connected to their communities and build on their knowledge, relationships, and experience to develop creative approaches that address diverse needs and contexts.

Our Journey

The Academy of Care began in 2022 and has grown through four successive cohorts, a network of more than 50 alumni, and partnerships with organisations across Myanmar, the Asia-Pacific region, and Germany.

From 2026, AoC enters a new three-year phase supported by the European Union, expanding its work through new training opportunities, Creative Care Hubs, Small AoC, community initiatives, and a wider community reach.

Creative Art Therapies

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy leverages creative mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpting to provide therapeutic outlets for individuals and groups to explore emotions, experiences, and challenges. Through this form of expression, participants are encouraged to articulate and process complex emotions in a supportive environment, fostering personal insights and emotional healing.
What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy uses the healing power of music—whether through listening, playing instruments, or singing—to trigger emotional and psychological healing. It promotes group cohesion and helps individuals express and regulate their emotions, leading to enhanced emotional well-being.
What is Drama Therapy?

Drama therapy employs techniques like role-playing, improvisation, and storytelling to address emotional and psychological challenges. By engaging in structured dramatic activities, participants can explore personal narratives, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop deeper self-awareness.

Programme Structure

Creative care for children, young people and families

The Small Academy of Care (Small AoC) is the child- and family-focused component of the Academy of Care. It brings creative, play-based approaches into age-appropriate activities that support the emotional well-being, development, and resilience of children and young people aged 1–14.

What happens in Small AoC?

Small AoC will offer creative and participatory activities, including play, storytelling, movement, drawing, puppetry, and other arts-based approaches.

Activities will create opportunities for children and young people to express themselves, explore emotions, build connections, and develop emotional literacy within supportive, welcoming environments.

Children, parents and caregivers

Small AoC also recognises the important role of parents and caregivers in children’s wellbeing.

Alongside activities for children and young people, the programme will include information and awareness sessions for parents and caregivers, helping families better understand children’s emotional experiences and support their wellbeing.

Where will Small AoC take place?

Small AoC will initially be piloted through the Creative Care Hubs in Yangon and Mandalay.

Over time, activities will also be brought to other communities through trained Academy of Care alumni, local organisations and mobile outreach.

Safe and appropriate spaces

The safety, dignity and wellbeing of children and young people are central to Small AoC. Activities will be developmentally appropriate and delivered with safeguarding, supervision and appropriate consent procedures.

Looking ahead

As the programme develops, Small AoC will expand its activities and contribute to resources that support children, families and communities in understanding emotional wellbeing and creative approaches to care.

Further information about upcoming activities, locations, and participation will be shared as the programme develops.

Community & Journey

The Academy of Care is a growing community of practitioners, alumni, and partners connected through learning, creative practice, and shared experiences. Explore our journey so far and discover the people and activities that continue to shape AoC.

AoC Alumni Network (AoCA)

The Academy of Care alumni network brings together people who have taken part in AoC’s training programmes and continue to develop and share their learning in their communities.
Alumni come from different professional and community backgrounds and work in a range of contexts across Myanmar. Their knowledge, experience, and connections are an important part of the Academy’s growing community.

The new project phase places a stronger focus on continued learning, peer exchange, supervision and mentorship, while creating opportunities for experienced alumni to take on new roles as trainers, facilitators and peer supervisors.

AoC Alumni Photo © Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Previous Cohorts

The Academy of Care has supported four cohorts of practitioners, artists and community leaders across Myanmar. Each cohort has strengthened trauma-informed, creative and community-based approaches to care while expanding opportunities for learning, practice and collaboration.

© Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Partners & Network

The Academy of Care works with a diverse network of local and international partners, experts and organisations working across creative arts, mental health, wellbeing, education and community development.
Our partnerships support the Academy through training, expertise, mentoring, knowledge exchange and community-based collaboration.

Our Partners

Academic and specialist training partners:

LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore - expertise in art therapy, trauma-informed practice and creative pedagogy.
Research Institute of Dramatherapy, Sri Lanka - dramatherapy and trauma-focused intervention expertise.
Foundation for Arts and Health India (FAHI) - a network of creative arts therapists, artists and health workers advancing arts for health and wellbeing.
Maitri Music Therapy, Nepal - music-based approaches to healing and emotional wellbeing.

Myanmar and regional partner organisations:

Aung Min Mental Health Clinic - mental health expertise and field-based support since AoC’s earliest phase.
FIN Myanmar - community wellbeing, livelihoods and resilience programming, including a collaboration on play-based therapeutic approaches for children.
Think Playgrounds, Vietnam - inclusive, creative play spaces and child development expertise.
ActionAid Myanmar - community-based mental resilience and psychosocial support programming.

Our Experts and Trainers

Together with the experts, AoC’s training programmes are enriched by the expertise of a dedicated team of Myanmar-based mental health professionals, including consultant psychiatrists and therapists. Their extensive clinical and field experience contributes significantly to the curriculum, ensuring both local relevance and professional excellence.

Director of the Research Institute for Dramatherapy in Sri Lanka and a pioneer of dramatherapy in his country. For over two decades, he has supported marginalized communities, including war victims, survivors of natural disasters and domestic violence, individuals with special needs, prisoners, and sexually abused children.
Art psychotherapist and educator from Bangalore, specializing in psychodynamic approaches and trauma work, particularly with children and adolescents. She is also the co-founder of FoundSpace, a collective that promotes art and mental well-being through public art and community projects.
Clinical music therapist and co-founder of Maitri Music Therapy Nepal, specializing in community health, pediatric oncology, and geriatric care. Additionally, he is a trainer for therapeutic music training programs in Nepal and India.
Music and physiotherapist with a master’s degree in music therapy from Mahidol University, Thailand. She works in special education and facilitates sessions focused on resilience-building and self-care.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a community worker, educator, artist, organisation, or community member, there are many ways to engage with the Academy of Care.

Apply for Training
Join future AoC learning programmes and develop creative, trauma-informed approaches to care.
Attend an Event
Take part in workshops, wellbeing activities, exhibitions, and community events.
Apply for a Community Grant
Access support for locally led creative care initiatives.
Partner With Us
Collaborate with us on mental health, wellbeing, arts, education, and community development initiatives.
Stay Connected
Follow our updates for upcoming opportunities, events, and announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us:

academyofcare.yangon@goethe.de

Tel.: +9519376160