Social

Teddy Bear Hugs 

The Teddy Bear Hugs program by the Mary K Yap Foundation is a heartwarming social development initiative created to bring comfort, hope, and emotional healing to orphaned and underprivileged children. Every year, especially during the holiday season, the Foundation organizes joyful “Teddy Bear Hug” gatherings at local orphanages — moments filled with laughter, affection, and connection. During these events, a dedicated team of volunteers and orphanage ambassadors come together to deliver a simple yet powerful gift — a soft teddy bear — into the hands of every child.

While the gesture may seem small, the meaning behind it is profound. Many children living in orphanages have faced loss, abandonment, or trauma at a young age. For them, the teddy bear represents more than just a toy — it symbolizes love, care, and the reassurance that they are not forgotten. The act of receiving a teddy bear provides each child with a comforting companion to hold on to — something that brings warmth and a sense of belonging during moments of loneliness.

The program also serves as a bridge between caring individuals and the children they aim to support. Volunteers and ambassadors who participate in Teddy Bear Hugs experience firsthand the power of compassion and human connection. By spending quality time with the children — playing, sharing stories, and giving hugs — they help nurture confidence, joy, and trust. These encounters leave lasting memories on both sides, reinforcing the values of empathy, kindness, and social responsibility.

Beyond the immediate joy it brings, the Teddy Bear Hugs program strengthens community involvement in orphan care and social development. It inspires people to take part in meaningful acts of kindness that uplift vulnerable children and spark hope for a brighter future. Each teddy bear given serves as a gentle reminder that love can be expressed in the simplest ways — through a smile, a hug, or a shared moment of happiness. Through this annual tradition, the Mary K Yap Foundation continues its mission to spread love and compassion across orphanage communities. By joining the Teddy Bear Hugs initiative, supporters and volunteers become part of a collective effort to remind every child that they are loved, valued, and never alone.

If you’d like to be part of this inspiring journey, simply fill out Form 9 on our website to join the Teddy Bear Hugs experience.

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A “Teddy Bear Hug” event at an orphanage is crucial as it provides comfort and emotional support to children who may have experienced loss or trauma, foster a sense of security and belong. Additionally, it promotes empathy and compassion among participants, encouraging them to make a positive impact in the lives of these children, creating lasting memories and spreading joy through the power of comforting hugs.

Sketch and Hope

Every child carries a spark of imagination — a quiet light waiting to shine. The “Sketch and Hope” program was created by the Foundation to nurture that light, giving orphaned and underprivileged children a way to express their dreams, emotions, and hopes for the future through the beauty of art. It is not just an activity, but a heartfelt journey of creativity, healing, and self-discovery.

Through this program, the Foundation brings a compassionate and skillful art instructor who guides the children in drawing, painting, and creating meaningful crafts. Each session becomes a joyful space where imagination comes alive — where colors dance, lines take shape, and ideas grow into beautiful creations. The art instructor helps children explore techniques in sketching and crafting while encouraging them to see that every brushstroke and handmade piece reflects their own voice, emotions, and dreams.

Art becomes a gentle language for those who may not always find the words to express how they feel. A single sketch can capture a moment of happiness or a dream yet to come true. Through colors and creativity, the children discover confidence — the belief that they, too, can create something beautiful and meaningful. It allows them to imagine possibilities beyond their current world, fostering courage and hope that will carry them forward.

In addition to sketching, the program includes arts and crafts that inspire teamwork, patience, and imagination. Children learn to shape, design, and build, developing not only artistic skills but also life skills that strengthen their sense of purpose and pride. Each creation tells a story — one of hope, growth, and resilience. For many of the children, “Sketch and Hope” becomes a cherished part of their routine, a moment to dream freely and see themselves in brighter colors. It reminds them that creativity has no limits, and that even the smallest act of making art can open doors to self-expression and inner joy.

Participating orphanages that register through Form 9 on the Foundation’s website will receive all necessary art materials, guided sessions by our instructor, and opportunities for the children’s artwork to be displayed through the Foundation’s creative platforms. These experiences help the children feel seen, appreciated, and inspired to continue exploring their talents.

Through “Sketch and Hope,” the Foundation aspires to give every child the gift of imagination — to let them dream, draw, and discover that hope begins when we dare to create. With each sketch, each handmade craft, and each smile, they learn that their stories matter, their creativity has meaning, and their future is filled with color and possibility.

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A “Sketch and Hope” event at an orphanage empowers children to express their aspirations and dreams through art, fostering a sense of hope and possibility for their future. The Foundation provides a platform for them to explore their imagination, develop their artistic skills, and visualize the path they want to take, instilling confidence and motivation to pursue their passions.

Melody of Joy

There is something truly magical about a song. A melody can reach where words cannot — it can heal, comfort, and lift the heart in ways that few things can. The Mary K Yap Foundation’s “Melody of Joy” program was created to share this magic with orphaned and underprivileged children, reminding them that even in the hardest times, music can bring light, hope, and togetherness.

Through this heartwarming program, the Foundation brings a celebrity singer to visit orphanages and spend the day surrounded by music, laughter, and love. The children join in singalongs, clap to the rhythm, and experience the pure joy of connection through song. The visiting artist also shares their personal stories — the challenges they’ve overcome, the lessons learned, and how music became their source of strength and expression. In these moments, the children not only meet a role model but also discover that their own voices can carry power, meaning, and beauty.

“Melody of Joy” is more than just a musical visit — it is an emotional sanctuary. Singing helps the children release their worries, express their feelings, and find comfort in harmony with others. It creates a space filled with laughter, inspiration, and a sense of belonging, where every child feels seen and valued. For many, it becomes a moment of peace and happiness — a reminder that they are not alone and that joy can bloom even in the smallest notes of a song.

The inspiration for “Melody of Joy” began with Mary K Yap, the Foundation’s Founder, who led the very first campaign in the San Francisco Bay Area by gathering a community on stage to sing and raise funds for orphanages in Myanmar. Her belief that music can unite hearts and spark hope lives on through this program, which continues to bring smiles and a renewed sense of spirit to children across orphanage communities.

Through “Melody of Joy,” the Foundation celebrates the healing power of melody — showing that a song can do more than entertain. It can touch the soul, ignite comfort, and remind every child that within them is a voice capable of creating beauty and joy in the world.

If you’d like to be part of this inspiring journey, simply fill out Form 9 on our website to join the Melody of Joy experience.

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Our Foundation organizes “Melody of Joy”, a singalong event for children to find solace and emotional release through the power of music, allowing them to express their feelings and experiences in a supportive environment. It creates a sense of unity and joy as they come together to sing, fostering a positive atmosphere and uplifting their spirits, providing a temporary escape from any hardships they may be facing.

Festive Celebrations 

The Festive Celebrations program is one of the most heartwarming initiatives of the Foundation, designed to bring joy, laughter, and togetherness to children living in orphanages during special times of the year. Throughout the festive holidays, our team organizes vibrant celebrations filled with love, care, and excitement — turning ordinary days into extraordinary moments of happiness.

Each celebration is crafted with thoughtful activities that engage the children and bring smiles to their faces. We organize an array of fun and meaningful experiences — from playing games and sharing stories to enjoying creative crafts, singing, and dancing together. The day is filled with laughter as children and volunteers gather around tables for card and board games, storytelling, and group discussions that nurture friendship, trust, and confidence. To make the occasion even more magical, the Foundation often invites entertainers, magicians, and sometimes even a cheerful Santa Claus arriving from the “North Pole” with a bag full of surprises and presents for every child.

Along with all the fun and excitement, we ensure the day is filled with delicious food, treats, and refreshing drinks, creating a festive atmosphere that radiates warmth and unity. These celebrations are more than just parties — they are moments of human connection that allow children to experience love, care, and belonging in an environment that values their happiness.

More than just an annual event, the Festive Celebrations program is a year-round effort that deepens the Foundation’s relationship with each orphanage. Through these gatherings, we get to know the children personally, understand their dreams, and share in their moments of happiness — reminding them that they are loved, valued, and never alone.

If you’d like to be part of this inspiring journey, simply fill out Form 9 on our website to join the Festive Celebrations experience.

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Arranging “Festive Celebrations” events at an orphanage is of utmost importance as it allows children to find comfort and ease through the power of social engagement with volunteers from the Foundation. We ensure that children experience a warm and inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging, enhances their emotional well-being, and creates lasting memories of love and celebration.

Little Chef Cookout

The “Little Chef Cookout” is one of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s signature social development programs designed to build confidence, creativity, and life skills among orphaned children. This heartwarming initiative brings a popular local chef from one of Yangon’s leading restaurants directly to the orphanages, transforming the day into a vibrant culinary classroom filled with excitement, laughter, and discovery.

The program begins with the Foundation’s team setting up a complete mini kitchen—equipped with pots, pans, gas stoves, utensils, and plates—so the children can experience an authentic cooking environment. The visiting chef shares their passion for food, explaining what it takes to become an expert in the kitchen and how dedication, creativity, and teamwork turn simple ingredients into wonderful meals. The children watch closely as the chef demonstrates food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating skills, learning not only the steps of a recipe but also the discipline and joy that come with the art of cooking.

For many of these children, the Little Chef Cookout is their first opportunity to try cooking hands-on, to taste what they’ve helped create, and to imagine themselves in a professional kitchen one day. They also get to explore the latest recipes inspired by popular restaurants—an exciting glimpse into a world of possibilities beyond their daily routine.

Beyond the cooking itself, this program nurtures social confidence, teamwork, and communication. It teaches responsibility, patience, and pride in creating something meaningful with one’s own hands. Most importantly, it inspires a sense of self-worth—helping every child realize that, with passion and perseverance, they too can dream big and create something beautiful.

Through the Little Chef Cookout, the Mary K. Yap Foundation continues its mission to bring joy, skills, and hope to orphaned children, one meal—and one smile—at a time.

If you’d like to be part of this inspiring journey, simply fill out

 on our website to join the Little Chef Cookoutexperience.

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“Little Chef Cookout” is one of the key confidence-building initiatives by the Mary K. Yap Foundation, designed to empower orphaned children through hands-on culinary activities. With expert chefs from Yangon’s popular restaurants, children gained cooking skills while developing teamwork, communication, and responsibility. The program fostered creativity, discipline, and self-worth in a joyful, supportive setting.

First Movie Experience 

The First Movie Experience program is one of the Mary K Yap Foundation’s newest and most heartfelt initiatives, bringing orphaned children to a movie theater for the very first time. This joyful and transformative experience opens the door to the magical world of storytelling — a world where emotions, imagination, and dreams come alive on the big screen. For many of these children, stepping into a theater, hearing the laughter, seeing the lights dim, and watching stories unfold on a grand scale is an unforgettable moment that stirs curiosity, creativity, and wonder.

The inspiration for this program was born from the Foundation’s own milestone achievement in 2024, when we partnered with Mandalay Productions to create our first-ever Movie for Charity project. That collaboration, which united filmmakers, artists, and philanthropists in support of orphanage communities, became the seed that grew into this program. Witnessing the power of film to move hearts and spark imagination, the Foundation envisioned a new way to extend that same magic to the children we serve — giving them not just entertainment, but a chance to see new worlds, new dreams, and new possibilities.

Through strong partnerships with film producers, theater operators, and community allies, the First Movie Experience is now an annual event that continues to expand its reach. Each year, groups of children from participating orphanages are invited to enjoy a special movie screening, often accompanied by fun discussions, storytelling sessions, and moments of reflection. The experience encourages creativity and confidence, inspiring some to dream of becoming part of the entertainment world, while for others, it simply becomes a cherished memory of joy and belonging.

More than a day at the movies, the program represents hope — showing children that stories have the power to heal, teach, and inspire. By seeing heroes on screen who overcome challenges, build friendships, and discover their purpose, these young viewers learn that they too can shape their own paths in life. The First Movie Experience reminds every child that no dream is too far, and that inspiration can come from the simplest moments — like watching a story unfold beneath the glow of the silver screen.

If you’d like to be part of this inspiring journey, simply fill out Form 9 on our website to join the First Movie Experience.

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The “First Movie Experience” initiative brings orphaned children to a movie theater for the very first time, offering them a joyful and transformative escape into the world of storytelling where emotions, imagination, and dreams come alive on the big screen. Through our close partnerships with film producers, theater operators, and business allies, the program cultivates creativity, and empathy, enriching each child’s emotional and social development.