Myanmar - Back to School With Dignity
- baanunrak5
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
We know there is great need in Myanmar, especially in the communities of Mahar Aung Myae and Chanmaya Tharsi, two of the poorest areas.
Now, for the first time, we were able to do something meaningful for the children of Mahar Aung Myae and Chanmaya.
Their parents had made the painful decision not to send them to school. Having lost everything, they couldn’t afford even the minimum required for enrollment—such as uniforms and school supplies.
In addition, the school building had been damaged, and the families feared they might be asked to contribute to the repairs, on top of the burden of providing uniforms and supplies.
Baan Unrak, as a children’s home, and our team on the ground—Green Island—believe deeply in the tremendous potential of every child. We could not accept the idea of these children being left behind.
We know that, as an external support group, our ability to rebuild Myanmar is limited. But we believe in the children’s potential, and we could not let these communities down.
Baan Unrak was able to collect donations from our supporters. The Green Island team called on their youngest volunteers, who traveled all the way from Yangon to Mandalay and then to Thanlattmaw (West) to purchase supplies.
The parents were a great help, and even the little children contributed in their own way. In the end, it was the sacrifice and dedication of our team that inspired them. They began to dream the dreams of their children—a better future and a restored dignity.
It was a major operation that required great organization. Our youngest volunteers performed it with dedication and care.
They gathered the names of all the students, prepared individual packages, and distributed them.
It wasn’t just a distribution—it was a joyful event.
The Green Island team put their heart on it. They entertained the children with music, songs, and games. The atmosphere was electric.
The little ones were so happy. Many of them had long dreamed of going to school, but it always felt out of reach. Now, that dream had become a reality.
The gathering of students and parents was joyful and full of vibrant energy. It was the perfect moment to speak to the parents. Cirasmita (Daw Khine Zar Tin Win), the leader of Green Island, delivered a powerful speech about the impact of education. She spoke with energy and conviction, emphasizing how this powerful tool is the only path to truly elevate their lives and create a better future.
In that vibrant setting, the words were deeply impactful. The parents felt a renewed energy within themselves—not to give up, even when they will undoubtedly face obstacles in the future. They were reminded not to surrender, but to stand strong and fight for their children's right to education.
The very next day, Green Island’s youngest volunteers returned to the temple in Thanlattmaw to officiate a small ceremony, officially handing over the newly completed toilet block with a water tank to the local community.
Talking to the people still living there, we became acutely aware of the urgent need to build not only a shelter for 35 more people but also a washroom on the premises.
Good news for all our readers: we were able to build 4 more shelters, bringing the total to 6 shelters completed!
Good news again! We have a new partner: GlobalGiving.
GlobalGiving is a well-known international crowdfunding platform that connects donors with grassroots projects around the world.
Baan Unrak Children’s Home has been part of the GlobalGiving platform for many years. Through this partnership, we have received valuable support for our education programs.
Now, with GlobalGiving, we dare to dream anew: to build more houses, create a washroom at the temple, raise a shelter there, and restore the damaged classroom.
Still, even with the support of our new partner, we need you. The need is still great.
Please consider contributing—not necessarily for an entire house, but perhaps for a door, a metal roof, or even just one window. Every contribution, no matter how small, truly makes a difference.
Together, we can bring shelter, dignity, and hope to those still waiting.
You can help us continue our work by donating directly to Baan Unrak Foundation: https://www.baanunrak.org/donation
Or, if you prefer, you can contribute to AMURT Italia:
Or, if you prefer, you can contribute to AMURT UK:
With love and gratitude,
Baan Unrak Team
תגובות