10Jul2025

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COMMENTARIES
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Category: COMMENTARIES

Building Hope Through Preschool Education commentaries
COMMENTARIES
February 22, 2025

A Community Driven Vision in Myanmar

Building Hope Through Preschool Education: A Community-Driven Vision in Myanmar

In a country like Myanmar, where education is often a privilege rather than a right, the challenges faced by underprivileged children remain immense. Across urban and rural communities, countless youths grow up without adequate access to educational facilities, supportive learning environments, or the basic resources needed to succeed. This gap becomes even more evident when it comes to after-school tuition, enrichment programs, and early childhood education—vital developmental stages that too often go unsupported. For orphaned and vulnerable children, the situation is even more dire. Many are left behind, not because they lack intelligence or ambition, but simply because the tools and opportunities to advance their education are not within reach. In such an environment, any effort to establish meaningful, grassroots educational initiatives stands not only as an act of service—but as a symbol of hope.

As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I reflect with deep gratitude on the incredible milestones the Mary K. Yap Foundation has achieved. After a decade of careful planning, our charity film project—born from a vision to elevate unheard voices—came to life with a nationwide theatrical release this December across 65 cinemas in Myanmar. For more than 1,300 orphaned children, representing over 23 orphanages across the country, this was not just a movie screening—it was their very first experience in a movie theater. This unforgettable moment was made possible through our Partners of Hope project, generously supported by our B2B partners and the special individuals who stepped up to ensure these children could experience the wonder of cinema for the very first time.

“I do this because I believe no child should be defined by their circumstances. They deserve a fair start, a nurturing place to dream, learn, and imagine a better future.” Ms. Deborah Kim

With undivided commitment, she and her husband have laid the groundwork to welcome up to 60 children into the preschool by July 2025. Her efforts represent more than just bricks and mortar—they embody compassion, resilience, and the belief that education can unlock futures.

Such noble endeavors do not succeed in isolation. The path to a brighter future for Myanmar’s children must be paved through shared responsibility—by uniting the public and private sectors, civil society, and individuals with a shared vision. When communities come together to support initiatives like the Alpha Educational Center, they invest in more than a building—they invest in lives, futures, and lasting change. Whether through donations, volunteerism, resource-sharing, or advocacy, there are countless ways for supporters to stand alongside Ma Deborah in making free, quality education accessible to children who need it most. It is through these collaborative acts of solidarity that true, sustainable impact can take root.

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we believe in the power of partnerships to create meaningful, long-term change. Our Educational Program initiatives (#Each1TeachOne, #H.S.Diploma, #Road2Digital) were built on the same principles that guide Ma Deborah’s vision—compassion, equity, and innovation. By working hand-in-hand with changemakers like her and other community-run orphanages across Myanmar, we aim to establish digital learning spaces that offer children a gateway to opportunity. From basic computer skills and digital literacy to language learning and virtual storytelling, our Learning Centers are designed to introduce orphaned and vulnerable children to a world beyond their immediate environment, especially for those who have never touched a keyboard or seen a computer screen. Together with pioneers like Ma Deborah Kim, we are building not only classrooms but pathways to a brighter, more empowered future for children from disadvantaged communities.

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By admin
finding strength
COMMENTARIES
May 25, 2023

Finding Strength on Father’s Day

Commentary: Finding Strength on Father’s Day
 By Serenitee Ayobamidele Yap

#As Father’s Day 2022 approached, I was reminded of the old saying, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” It’s a phrase many of us take to heart, often recalling the strength, wisdom, and silent sacrifices of the men who helped shape our lives. Traditionally, fathers are seen as protectors—pillars of strength who stand as heroes in their children’s eyes. For many, this special day in June is filled with heartfelt messages, backyard gatherings, and moments of gratitude. Yet, amid all the joy and celebration, there’s a silent population whose stories rarely make it to the surface—children without fathers.

It’s easy to forget how deep a father’s influence runs until it’s absent. For children growing up in loving homes, a father’s presence often sets the tone for discipline, moral compass, and emotional grounding. But for orphans—especially those who lost their fathers due to illness, war, poverty, or abandonment—Father’s Day can bring a wave of complex emotions. What does it feel like to have no memory of the man who was meant to protect you? To lack a role model who would have taught you how to stand tall in a world that often overlooks your pain? Orphaned children face this harsh reality every day. Without a father figure to look up to, many grow up feeling emotionally incomplete, carrying a void that no celebration can fill.

These children are often left to navigate the world without the guidance that could have helped shape their values or ambitions. The absence of that foundational relationship can lead to challenges in building self-confidence, forming goals, and trusting others. It’s not just the loss of a parent—it’s the loss of direction, identity, and safety.

As the rest of the country celebrates Father’s Day with cards and cookouts, let it also be a day to remember those who grieve in silence. Let us honor the memory of fathers who are no longer with us by standing beside the children they left behind. These children may never have the chance to hand their father a card or thank him in person, but we, as a society, can step in with love, mentorship, and support. This Father’s Day, may we extend our compassion beyond our own families and recognize the orphaned children who deserve to be seen, heard, and uplifted—today and every day.

By admin
101
COMMENTARIES
April 26, 2023

A Generous Heart during COVID

We have been in a world of pandemics and crises from the year 2020 up until the present. A lot of people, especially the poor, are greatly affected by Covid19. Many people have transitioned from working in the office to working from home, and students have transitioned from a face-to-face class set-up to virtual classes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape, it exposed deep imbalances across societies and economies. Businesses large and small were disrupted—many forced to close permanently—while families faced rising unemployment and uncertainty. Yet within this turbulence, digital platform businesses such as Amazon experienced significant growth, meeting the urgent demand for online access to essential goods and services. This unexpected divergence became a defining feature of the pandemic economy.

#One of the most striking responses to this divide came from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Acknowledging the pandemic’s devastating toll, which she described as a “wrecking ball” to those already vulnerable, Scott accelerated her charitable contributions. Her nearly $6 billion in donations during 2020 marked one of the most extraordinary individual giving efforts in recent memory. Beyond the numbers, what stood out was the clarity and humility with which she addressed growing inequality.

Commentators like Melissa Berman, CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, noted that Scott’s efforts constituted one of the largest distributions by a living donor to working charities. Having signed the Giving Pledge in 2019, Scott’s commitment to giving away the majority of her wealth reflects a broader shift in how philanthropic leadership can respond to crisis—not just with statements, but with decisive, timely action. Her example serves as a reminder that in times of global hardship, generosity is not only admirable but necessary.

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we reflect on such moments through the lens of our Generous Hearts commentary series. Scott’s response to the pandemic echoes the values we hold close: that acts of giving can—and should—be rooted in empathy, urgency, and meaningful impact. In honoring individuals like her, we affirm a belief long central to our work—that hope often arrives through the hands of those willing to give without expecting anything in return.

By admin
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COMMENTARIES
November 14, 2022

Recognizing Strength on Int’l Orphan Day

Orphans are children who depend on their strength and ability to learn and succeed without the support of their mothers and fathers. They are the ones who have lost one or both parents to age, sickness, or violence—or simply by being abandoned.”

Dr. John Palmer
 Chairman, Mary K. Yap Foundation

On International Orphan Day, we pause to honor the lives of millions of children worldwide who face the world without the support of their parents. These children, often left behind through illness, conflict, abandonment, or poverty, are some of the most vulnerable members of society—but also some of the most resilient.

The Harsh Reality They Endure

Every year, the number of orphans around the world continues to rise—due to war, disease, disasters, and extreme poverty. Without adequate care, protection, and guidance, these children face unimaginable risks. Many are left to navigate life on their own, often preyed upon by those seeking to exploit their vulnerability. The dangers are alarming. Orphaned children are often forced into:

        • Child labor by unethical employers
        • Militant groups or rebel armies as child soldiers
        • Human trafficking networks
        • Violent criminal activity simply to survive
        • Or abuse under the care of those with bad intentions

Those who survive these circumstances may still face a bleak future—malnutrition, untreated diseases, homelessness, or incarceration. Some lose their lives to conditions that could have easily been prevented with basic care. Others, burdened by trauma and isolation, may grow up without the tools to trust or thrive.

The Strength They Carry Within

#And yet, amid this tragedy, we witness something powerful: hope. Orphaned children are not defined by their loss, but by their resilience. They are survivors—young souls who fight each day to rise above abandonment and shape their own future. Their strength is quiet, but it is unshakable. Their courage is often unseen, but it is real. At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we believe that every orphan deserves not only survival, but the opportunity to flourish. These children are not a burden to the world—they are its potential. With the right care, love, and guidance, they can become tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

As we commemorate International Orphan Day, we must move beyond sympathy and into action. These children do not deserve to live in neglect, especially when they have so much to offer the world. It is our collective duty—governments, communities, and individuals—to ensure that no orphan grows up unseen, unloved, or unprotected. We call on everyone to be a voice, a hand, a heart—to support organizations that care for orphaned children, advocate for their rights, and create safe, nurturing spaces for them to heal and grow.

Let us remember that orphaned children are not simply survivors of tragedy—they are symbols of human resilience. With our help, they can still build lives of purpose, dignity, and hope.

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By admin
Brighter Future Banner
COMMENTARIES
August 7, 2022

Commitment Amid Myanmar’s Challenges

#

Despite the ongoing uncertainty in Myanmar, the Mary K. Yap Foundation remains committed in our mission to uplift and care for the orphaned children we have served for over two decades. These children, who face some of life’s most difficult circumstances, continue to be at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every child deserves hope, stability, and a future filled with opportunity.

        As Dr. John Palmer, Board Chair of the Foundation, shared in a recent Zoom interview:

“They (the children) should not fear what will happen in the future, instead, we must take each day and pay attention to areas where they can develop new talents and skills to support their future.”

– Dr John Palmer

Board Chair of the Mary K. Yap Foundation
Daily Learning and Emotional Growth

In line with this vision, our Foundation encourages all children in our care to continue their journey of daily self-learning. Developing habits such as reading, writing, and critical thinking helps build a foundation of confidence and independence. Our local orphanage teams work diligently to provide educational materials, including books, journals, and storytelling sessions, to support each child’s development. Daw Meme Lwin, one of our dedicated Orphanage Ambassadors, has played a key role in nurturing this spirit of growth. Through her regular reading sessions and motivational talks, she helps children understand that even the smallest effort can pave the way for a “Better Tomorrow.” These acts of engagement do more than educate—they inspire hope.

Building Resilience Through Reading and Connection

Through partnerships with domestic and international donors, we have launched a coordinated effort to distribute books and educational materials to every orphanage center under our care. These resources are not just for learning—they are tools for healing. They allow children to explore stories of strength, imagination, and survival, and to find pieces of themselves in each tale.

Children who grow up in traumatic or unstable environments often struggle with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and emotional withdrawal. These issues cannot be ignored—and we are committed to addressing them head-on.

Empowering Mental and Emotional Well-being

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we know that education alone is not enough. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and mental support. Our teams maintain regular communication between children, ambassadors, and caregivers to create a circle of support and listening.

Through shared stories, meaningful dialogue, and personalized care, we work to remind each child that they are not alone. That their voices matter. And that despite the uncertainty outside, within our care, they are safe, valued, and seen.

As we continue to navigate the challenges facing Myanmar, our Foundation remains devoted to protecting the light within every orphaned child—and to ensuring that their future is one of resilience, growth, and hope.

By admin
1. An Orphan Thoughts on Mother Day
COMMENTARIES
May 9, 2021

Orphan Children on Mother’s Day

A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”

– Cardinal Gaspard Mermillod (1824-1892)

 

OEvery May, America celebrates and honors mothers on this special day by thanking them for all the love and sacrifices they’ve made. But sadly, this is not the case for children in every town and country in the world who have lost, been taken from, abandoned by, or sent away from their mothers.

An orphan may suffer long-term emotional problems due to their failure to resolve their sense of loss for their mother. The effects of trauma can include symptoms of depression, being more anxious and withdrawn, having more problems in school, and diminished academic performance than non-bereaved children. Some also have difficulty building relationships and have trust issues as they lack maternal support while beginning their life journey. Abandoned orphans will always be left with the question of if their mothers truly loved them.  These orphans feel incomplete without their mothers.

Celebrating Mother’s Day is not the same for everyone; for some orphans, it will remind them of their feelings when they lost their mother. Mothers generally support us through all our victories and hardships as we build our lives. Therefore, some orphans will feel envious of the children who can spend time with and be cared for by their mothers. Living and growing up without a mother to lean on, especially on the most challenging days, is not easy.

Many orphans also live in poverty and cope with mental and emotional problems at an early age, in addition to the burden of losing their mother. Even though some still have their fathers and are considered “single orphans, ” the loss of the love and care that mothers bring is irreplaceable.

These orphans are vulnerable but hopefully will remain strong and determined to continue living and pursuing their dreams. Although these unprivileged children have no mother to celebrate Mother’s Day, they should still be surrounded by unconditional love from those who appreciate and care for them. Let this be an encouragement for us to be there for the underprivileged ones, the orphans, as we celebrate this Mother’s Day.

By admin
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COMMENTARIES
February 3, 2018

US Tax Benefits for Donors

MKY Foundation: US Tax Benefits for Donors

The Mary K. Yap Foundation officially received its 501(c)(3) private foundation status from the US Department of Treasury International Revenue Service in January 2017. This critical designation allows us to amplify our voice globally, drawing urgent attention to the plight of needy orphans and vulnerable youth in Myanmar (Burma). Our core mission is to develop and implement vital programs addressing shortages in their education, health, and medical care. Beyond these fundamental needs, we are dedicated to providing direct financial assistance and relief initiatives to support disadvantaged and orphaned children, ensuring they have the resources to build a brighter future.

As a classified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under United States federal law, we are exempt from various federal income taxes, a testament to our commitment to public service. Our operations are fully compliant with the California State Registry of Charitable Trusts, allowing us to organize impactful charitable programs and events within California while maintaining excellent standing with the Office of the Attorney General. The Mary K. Yap Foundation operates strictly for non-profit purposes, adhering to the California 23701d Revenue and Tax Code Section provisions to uphold our tax-exempt status. We pride ourselves on the highest standards of transparency, meticulously accounting for how all funds are used and allocated to fulfill our crucial mission of empowering orphan communities in Myanmar.

#The tax-exempt status afforded to a 501(c)(3) organization is a significant advantage, directly benefiting the children we serve. This exemption liberates the Mary K. Yap Foundation from federal and state income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. Crucially, it also extends to payroll taxes, allowing us to maximize the impact of every donation. By significantly reducing operational costs, these savings are directly channeled back into our programs, ensuring that more funds are available to support orphanages and expand our charitable initiatives. This financial efficiency is paramount to our ability to deliver sustained, meaningful assistance.

Beyond the financial benefits, our non-profit status significantly enhances our credibility and trustworthiness with the public and donor community. Donors can confidently make charitable gifts, knowing they will receive tax deduction certificates, incentivizing vital contributions. Furthermore, our 501(c)(3) classification makes us eligible to apply for grants at federal, state, and local levels, unlocking additional funding opportunities to scale our impact. Other invaluable entitlements include discounted postage rates and special non-profit mailing privileges, further optimizing our resources. These benefits collectively strengthen our capacity to reach more children and fulfill our promise of a better tomorrow for the orphans of Myanmar.

By admin