We Are Back — Because We Could Not Forget Them
- baanunrak5
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Once again, we returned to Thar Leswar with the Green Island School team.
On 17th we went back because our work was not finished. On the 12th, we were able to reach only 140 families. But over 709 more families are still struggling in makeshift camps. We could not leave them behind.
This time, we came better prepared. We brought food specially prepared to respect halal dietary needs, showing our deep commitment to honoring the dignity and culture of the people we serve.
The Story Behind This Relief Operation
The team from Green Island School couldn’t bring themselves to celebrate the Water Festival while so many people were suffering. As the rainy season had already begun, many displaced families still lacked proper shelter. The team wanted to buy tarpaulins to help protect them from the rain, but most shops were closed for the holiday—only food stalls remained open. Undeterred, ten of the volunteers decided to return to Mandalay and join forces with compassionate people there to continue the mission.
A team of ten dedicated volunteers from the Green School in Yangon traveled through the night of the 15th, determined to make their base in Mandalay. But as fate would have it, a powerful storm struck, and the city flooded. Still, they did not turn back.
The kindness of the people of Mandalay shone through the rain. They redirected our team to Kyaukmee, 10 miles away. When the team arrived at 1 PM, there was no rest. They headed straight to the market, searching for the best ingredients to cook for hundreds.
And then, a miracle unfolded.
The entire village of Kyaukmee rose in support. Local people guided our team to the best suppliers and fair prices. They opened their homes to host our volunteers. And when it came time to cook—it was not just our team in the kitchen. The whole village came together.
They cooked, packed, and worked through the night until morning, preparing food with halal requirements, not out of obligation—but from a place of deep compassion. It was a collective sacrifice of time, energy, and heart. You could feel it. You could see it. It was powerful.
We made sure the rice came from a trusted source—good rice, not the cheapest kind. It matters. Because while we cannot fix all the suffering these families endure, we can tell them: You are not alone.
This food is more than nourishment. It is a message—from one community to another—that you are seen, valued, and loved. That someone, somewhere, cares enough to stay up all night, to weather storms, to cook, to carry, to give.
And in that message, maybe, just maybe, comes a little more strength for them to rise again… to find hope, and to begin rebuilding their lives.
We are here to walk beside them—not to save them, but to remind them of the power already within themselves.
As soon as the shops reopen, they plan to purchase what is most urgently needed to help families face the challenges of the rainy season.
They also hope to find kind donors, as the items they need to buy—like tarpaulins—are more expensive than food. You can help us continue our work by donating directly to Baan Unrak Foundation:
Account Name: Baan Unrak
Bank Name: SCB Sangklaburi
Account Number: 6792178220
SWIFT Code: SICOTHBK
Foundation address “Baan Unrak Children’s home, 99/1 Moo 1, Nonglu, Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi 71240 Thailand
Or, if you prefer, you can contribute to AMURT Italia:
Or, if you prefer, you can contribute to the fundraiser organized by AMURT UK:
With deep gratitude and love,
With gratitude and love,
The Baan Unrak Team 🌿✨
April 18, 2025
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