Digital Inclusion Initiatives for Youth in Conflict-Affected Areas of Myanmar (2023–2026): Key Challenges and Successful Models from Southeast Asia

Abstract Digital inclusion for youth in Myanmar’s conflict-affected ethnic borderlands (Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Shan, Karenni/Kayah, Sagaing, and Magway) has been severely constrained between 2023 and 2026 by prolonged internet shutdowns, infrastructure destruction, electricity shortages, surveillance, and repressive cybersecurity policies (Access Now, 2026; Myanmar Internet Project, 2025). Drawing on reports from local research networks (K4DM Initiative, Myanmar Internet Project), academic studies, and international organizations, this literature review documents resilient, youth-led, and community-driven responses—most notably offline low-tech solutions such as the eduLamp project (Htut Wai Yan, 2025). These initiatives reach only a fraction of the millions of displaced or out-of-school youth (Auh & Kim, 2025). Comparative analysis of Southeast Asian models (e.g., Philippines UNICEF Learning Passport, Indonesia Kartu Prakerja, and ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme) highlights scalable, hybrid, community-based approaches that have proven effective in fragile contexts. The evidence underscores that digital inclusion is not merely technical but a critical enabler of education continuity, civic engagement, and social cohesion in Myanmar’s fragmented landscape. Without scaled investment in low-connectivity solutions and digital safety, the digital divide risks deepening generational and ethnic inequalities (Gathering House Youth Empowerment Society, 2024). Keywords digital inclusion, youth empowerment, conflict-affected areas, Myanmar, Southeast Asia, offline EdTech, eduLamp project, digital literacy, internet shutdowns, ICT4D, peacebuilding, digital divide