The Academy of Care (AoC) in Yangon offers a comprehensive two-month on-site program designed to train participants in facilitating creative therapies, with a strong focus on trauma management through a certificate-based curriculum. Participants gain practical expertise in art, music, and drama therapies, equipping them to initiate community projects supported by seed funding and mentorship. Led by international and local experts, AoC aims to enhance cultural infrastructure and drive societal change by promoting empathy and addressing mental health challenges.
Program Timeline:
28th April - 13th July 2025
Who can apply? (M/F/D)
Our open call promotes inclusivity and stands against all forms of discrimination. We encourage individuals to apply who are located outside Yangon, particularly the individuals from the areas with limited access to resources and capacity strengthening.
We are seeking applicants who are committed to the program, eager to acquire new skills and knowledge, and willing to share their expertise in their professional settings. Ideal candidates should be keen to have a positive impact on their working environments, be involved in civil society, and have a profound understanding of diverse sociocultural needs. They should be strongly motivated to provide support individually and collaboratively and see themselves as integrated members of society. The program is specifically directed toward individuals who want to return to their field and contribute to supporting people in need in Myanmar.
Please note
The Academy of Care is not intended for those seeking personal mental health care but rather for those who desire to learn how to effectively support individuals and communities experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, and psychosocial difficulties. This two-month program offers scholarships to support some of the participants. Please note that not all applicants will receive a scholarship; only selected individuals will be awarded based on the application criteria.
Knowledge in English is a plus but not a requirement. Interpretation will be on site during the training to support.
Application criteria
- We encourage applications from individuals with a minimum of two years' experience within the field of mental health, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, psychosocial support, and a demonstrated knowledge of that experience either by educationally, professionally and practically. This experience should encompass volunteer work, community engagement, educational pursuits, and practical experience, particularly within mental health and psychosocial support contexts.
- It is appreciated to have a background or experience within the creative field: art, theater dance or performance and or music background, please note to be admitted to the music therapy intervention facilitation workshop, background in music is required.
- We specifically seek applicants who are working in the field with communities in vulnerable contexts, including conflict areas, and supporting diverse groups. This includes individuals involved in social awareness, community work, or voluntary work, as well as those who have studied or are working professionally in these areas.
- Additionally, we welcome applications from "lived-experience experts" who have personally navigated mental health challenges or trauma and emerged with valuable insights, strength, and a passion for sharing their experiences as trainers.
Academy of Care (AoC) Scholarship Opportunities
The Academy of Care (AoC) is committed to making its program accessible to individuals who may face financial barriers. To support this mission, we offer two types of scholarships:
- Full Scholarships - Designed exclusively for applicants residing outside Yangon. This scholarship provides a lump sum to assist with accommodation, meals, and essential expenses, ensuring that distance is not a barrier to participation.
- Partial Scholarships - A need-based opportunity for applicants living in Yangon. Each recipient will receive financial support to cover lunch and transportation costs.
Scholarships are awarded strictly based on financial need. Actively employed individuals receiving a salary are generally ineligible. Applicants on paid or unpaid leave must obtain employer approval and submit a letter of support. Those on unpaid leave may be considered for a partial scholarship. As scholarships are limited, applicants must clearly articulate their financial need and explain why they should be prioritized over others in their application.
Application requirements
Please complete the application form provided to submit your application HERE!
Your application must include the following:
- Motivational statement: 500-800 words; English or Myanmar.
- Curriculum vitae: Your educational and professional background, etc.
- Relevant certificates or portfolio: Relevant documents demonstrating previous work projects in the field, relevant lived experience, or practice-based examples.
- References: Please include one recommendation letter and/or provide contact details for one to two reference contacts who can vouch for your experience.
- If you are employed, please provide a letter from your employer confirming that you will be granted leave for the full duration of the program. You are required to be fully committed for two months with no other obligations. If your employer has any questions, they should contact us before you apply to the Academy of Care.
Application Timeline
- Deadline for Applications: Wednesday, 12 March 2025
- Notifications to those shortlisted: 17 March 2025
- First Interviews: 24-25 March 2025
- Second Interview: 28 March 2025 (Group Interview setting)
- Results Announcement: 31 March 2025
Online Orientation Sessions
To help you prepare for application, we offer online orientation sessions in Myanmar language. The sessions explain the objective of AoC in more depth and respond to all your questions about the program.
- 21st February 2025, 4 pm (Meeting-ID: 828 9986 2254)
- 28th February 2025, 4 pm (Meeting-ID: 828 9986 2254)
- 7th March 2025, 4 pm (Meeting-ID: 828 9986 2254)
The Academy of Care is funded by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar. The Cohort 4 training program is conducted in collaboration with the Foundation of Art and Health (FAHI) India, the Research Institute of Dramatherapy Sri Lanka, and Maitri Music Therapy Nepal.
