Myanmar Impact Projects (I)

On July 8, 2024, FoodHI Myanmar (Then WHI) visited the Aye Mya Myitta Orphanage, located in a quiet neighborhood of East Dagon Township, Yangon.  The donation was aimed at supporting the children and staff of the orphanage and providing them with resources required for basic needs and children’s educational development.

The day began with a warm welcome from the orphanage’s staff and children, setting a positive tone for the visit. As the FoodHI Myanmar team toured the facility, they gained a deeper understanding of the living conditions and challenges faced by the children and their caregivers. In a candid interview with Ms. Shin, the National Director of WHI Myanmar, the orphanage warden shared some of the institution’s challenges.

The warden, who has been managing the orphanage for nearly a decade, spoke about the difficulties of running the facility, especially with the majority of the children being between the ages of 4 and 10. She highlighted the daily struggle to provide adequate nutrition and cover medical expenses, particularly during times when illnesses like cholera and other infections spread among the children. The warden explained that while they do their best to treat minor illnesses with available medications, more severe cases often require costly trips to the clinic. Currently, the region is experiencing cholera. (The link to the interview is attached here. Please check it out: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/PWVgQGFKvT2cpWZN/)

Ms. Shin noted the importance of nutrient-rich food and educational supplies to the children, as they are tightly connected with their well-being. The warden agreed, pointing out that while the orphanage tries to maintain a reserve of resources, managing these needs with limited funds remains a significant challenge.

The highlight of the day was the time spent with the children. FoodHI Myanmar’s team spent quality time with them, sharing stories, playing games, and entertaining them with dances and songs. In addition to the financial donation, the team also provided essential items such as food, clothes, and stationery, which were received with heartfelt gratitude.

As FoodHI Myanmar continues its mission of supporting vulnerable communities, the organization is gearing up for a significant new effort in response to the upcoming flood season. 

By the end of this month, FoodHI Myanmar will be distributing 500 meals to those affected by the incoming floods in Myanmar. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensure that even in times of crisis, communities have access to the essentials they need to survive and thrive.

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On September 27, 2024, FoodHI Myanmar, in collaboration with NextGen Impact, successfully raised 300,000 Myanmar Kyats through a social media fundraising campaign aimed at providing food supplies to families affected by the devastating floods in Myanmar.

With the funds raised, FoodHI Myanmar and NextGen Impact were able to distribute essential food packages to 300 households. Each food package contained either dried fish or dried prawns, with 150 bags of each item donated. These supplies were specifically chosen to ensure that households, typically consisting of 7 to 8 individuals, could have enough food to sustain them for over three days.

The donation efforts were coordinated with the emergency rescue organization "Law Ka Hi Ta Wa Ha," which has been instrumental in delivering the food packages to flood-affected areas. The collaboration between FoodHI Myanmar, NextGen Impact, and the local rescue organization highlights the importance of collective action in times of crisis and reaffirms our commitment to supporting the citizens of Myanmar in their time of need.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the public for their generosity and support, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to aid communities impacted by this natural disaster.