About

Phunom Village, Chin State, Myanmar
Year of village establishment	1650
Convert to Christianity	1930
ကားလမ်ဖွင့်	1969
Primary school opened	June 12, 1928
Private Middle School opened	August 1, 1945
Public Middle School (grade 7)	April 5, 1966
Public Middle School (grade 8)	June 5, 1970
Affiliated junior high school opened	June 1, 1994
Officially opened affiliated elementary school	October 1, 2003
High school branch opened	August 17, 2007
High School	2013
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Overview of Phunom Village

Phunom Village, located in Tedim Township within Falam District of Chin State, Myanmar, is a small settlement with approximately 1,200 inhabitants. Surrounded by the notable Kenedy Peak (Thuam Vuum) to the northeast and Khumvum Peak to the west, it sits at a high altitude of 4,921 feet above sea level. The village is situated near the Indian border and has a rich history, originally established as HIANG ZANG in AD 1650 and later renamed to Phunom in AD 1889 after relocating.

Geographical and Cultural Significance 🌄

The geography of Phunom Village is characterized by its picturesque valleys, mountains, and rivers, which provide an ideal environment for agriculture. The community cultivates a variety of crops including beans, corn, and various fruits and vegetables. The name "Phunom" translates to "There is Luck here," symbolizing a connection to the land and its prosperity.

Neighboring villages include Dimpi and Suangpi to the north, and other communities such as Thangnuai, Thuklai, and Zung dot the surrounding landscape. The village enjoys three defined seasons: a cool season from November to February, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from June to October, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 80°F during these times.

Historical Context and Community Resilience 📜

The village has a profound history, especially highlighted during World War I when many young men volunteered to serve in the Allied Labour Corps in France. This effort involved several villagers, reflecting their courage and commitment to community service in times of conflict despite their apprehensions regarding past treatment by British authorities.

In more recent history, the village has faced significant challenges following the military coup in Myanmar. The appointed village leader lost power, and in response, the Phunom Christian Unity (PCU) has taken leadership to navigate through the political unrest. Despite educational disruptions, dedicated volunteers have emerged to continue teaching the village's children, demonstrating the community's resilience and commitment to education.

Modern Challenges and Community Spirit 🎓

The Phunom community is united in faith, with all residents identifying as Christians. They celebrate various traditional festivals, with the KHUADO, or Harvest Festival, being particularly significant. This festival not only marks the gratitude for a fruitful harvest but also serves as a time for community solidarity, paying tribute to local leaders and supporting those with disabilities.

Tragic incidents, such as a military bomb being dropped near a school in 2024 while over 200 students were present, underline the vulnerabilities the community faces. Fortunately, the bomb landed far enough away to spare the lives of all involved, showcasing the village's resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Phunom Village stands as a testament to the strength of its community, marked by a rich history and a steadfast commitment to agriculture and education amid challenging political circumstances. Through the leadership of local organizations like the PCU and the collective spirit of the villagers, Phunom continues to embody hope and resilience.