TESTIMONIES
My name is Theophine. I am 21 years old. I come from a family of ten, including my mother, father and eight siblings. But now, only five of us remain. I currently live and work in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2008, a devastating storm hit Myanmar. During that disaster, I lost my father (Papa), my mother (Moe Moe), and three of my sisters. After the storm, I was rescued and brought to the Myittar Mon Center, which was established by the St. Francis Association.
I stayed at Myittar Mon and studied from kindergarten to Grade 10. While I was there, I received more than just an education—they taught me discipline, cooking, teamwork, how to grow vegetables, and many life skills. As I write this, I truly miss school. I imagine the mango trees must be bearing fruit by now. I remember the joy of picking mangoes and tamarind, even sneaking some with my friends. Those memories are precious, and even though I wish I could relive them, I know I cannot go back in time. When I was still in Myanmar, former students from the center used to gather and make donations. After moving to the UAE, I haven’t been able to join them.
“I have a plan: I want to donate 100,000 kyat every month to support orphaned children.”
After coming to the UAE, I have been planning to make this donation together with Ma Mee when I return to Myanmar. One thing I want to do is share my own life experiences with orphans—to inspire them to grow up stronger and more capable than I am. I dream of becoming a professional, perhaps, a photo shoot model. If I were given the chance, I would pursue it with everything I have. And if I succeed, I want to give back even more to underserved communities, especially to orphaned children.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story
Love,
Teophine.”
Direct Translation by MF Staff Member Shelly
