27May2025

Making a Difference Building Dreams Creating Impact Saving Lives

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Contacts

HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104         USA

PROJECT OFFICE:                  Pearl Condo, Bldg A, 15 Fl., Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.,      Yangon, Myanmar

hello@marykyapfoundation.org

US: +1 415 991 2030                 US: +1 415 799 8282                    MM: +95 9 977 66 7777

Tag: #ahopeforall

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

Sprinter Carlin Isles’s Inspiration

There are many stories of successful orphans who became heroes in the sports and entertainment industry.  They made their history by remaining motivated and determined to achieve their life aspirations despite their humble upbringing and difficulties.  Carlin Isles is an example of an individual who struggled during childhood and became famous in sports by becoming the fastest man in Rugby.  As part of our coverage of individual spotlight of successful orphans, below is a snapshot of a person who made a massive impact. 

Carlin Isles was born in Massillon, Ohio, on November 21, 1989.   He spent most of his time in his early days since he rarely saw his biological mother when growing up.  Carlin Isles did everything possible to survive, even to the point of eating dog food.  At the age of 7, he was adopted by Starlett and Charles Isles, who treated him like their own and supported him with the stability and love he needed to excel in sports and academics.

While growing up, Carlin Isles ran track and played American football, holding multiple high school track and field records.  Next, he enrolled at Ashland University, where he became an All-American in the 60m dash and ran a personal best of 6.68 seconds, a school record. He also holds freshman class records in the 100m and 200m dash (indoor and outdoor).  Before taking up Rugby in 2012, Isles ranked as the 36th fastest sprinter in the United States with a 100-meter outdoor personal best of 10.13 seconds.

 Then, miles Craigwell encouraged him to start playing Rugby, another crossover athlete from American football who played for the United States national team. Isles played club rugby with the Gentlemen of Aspen RFC, based in Aspen, Colorado.

Isles first caught the attention of the rugby media in the summer of 2012 when Rugby Mag dubbed him “The Fastest Man in American Rugby, ” according to (celebsagewiki.com).   Isles played for the US national developmental team Atlantis in July 2012 at the Victoria 7s tournament.  He was a part of the Warriors 7’s side that won the Melrose Sevens in April 2014.  With over 100 tries, Isles ranks third for the United States in career tries scored.

 Carlin Isles’s determination and persistence made him a well-known Rugby player.  He ‘didn’t let his past upbringing affect him; instead, he followed his dreams of becoming the best athlete.    Charles Isles’s success today is partly because of the love and care of his adoptive parents, who paved the way for him to have a stable life and fueled him with the support structure.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation salutes all children raised in foster care.  Carlin Isles made the best of his journey by overcoming adversities, believing in himself, and working incredibly hard to surpass all expectations.

CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 1
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

#Road2Digital for Orphan Children

Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #Road2Digital: Bridging Gaps, Brightening Orphaned Lives

The Road2Digital: Bridging Gaps, Brightening Orphaned Lives campaign by Mary K. Yap Foundation is a beacon of hope for disadvantaged children, especially orphans, who often face numerous challenges in accessing quality education and technological resources. This program falls under the Foundation’s “Educational Advancement” initiatives, emphasizing the importance of equipping all orphans with essential computer skills, English speaking skills, and Vocational Training to thrive in today’s digital world.

Through the Road2Digital campaign, the Foundation offers quarterly Basic Computer courses either in physical teaching environments or via Zoom settings, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for selected orphaned children. These courses are designed to empower the children with fundamental computer knowledge, enabling them to navigate computer applications and leverage technology for educational and vocational purposes.

One of the key objectives of this program is to provide a conducive learning environment where orphaned children can familiarize themselves with computers as self-learning tools within the comfort of their orphanages. This approach not only promotes digital literacy but also reinforces the children’s confidence and independence in acquiring new skills despite any post-pandemic barriers to traditional learning methods.

Furthermore, the Foundation believes that equipping these young, orphaned individuals with computer knowledge and internet browsing skills opens a world of opportunities for them. From improving academic performance to accessing job opportunities in the future, the Road2Digital campaign lays the foundation for a brighter and more promising future for these children, empowering them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

In essence, the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s Road2Digital campaign is a testament to its unwavering commitment to education and empowerment, providing disadvantaged children, particularly orphans, with the essential tools and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital-centric world.

7. Landing a hand
CORPORATE NEWS

Lending a Hand: Volunteers in Action

The “Lending a Hand” program is about making a difference for inspired young adults, university students, and citizens from all corners of the world to participate in the life-enriching volunteer opportunities sponsored and organized by the Mary K. Yap Foundation.

The program brings enthusiastic volunteers on short-term 3 to 6-month assignments covering work relating to Event Support, Donor Relations, Office and Admin tasks, and Virtual Support. The selected volunteer will work with our Management and Ambassadors to conduct and implement innovative development programs for the orphanage communities throughout Myanmar. Among other uplifting engagements, our team of volunteers worked to develop a plan for nutrition, diet, agricultural techniques, livestock growing, and water treatment to promote sustainability for orphan organizations. The team will be assigned to orphanages throughout Myanmar for a fixed period according to our project requirements. In addition, there will be many engaging field activities that include educational and health development programs for helping and inspiring underserved youths.

The mission of the Mary K. Yap Foundation and our volunteers is to develop and build these orphanages so that they have the necessary tools to support the needs of vulnerable children. We collaborate with exceptional individuals with a profound sense of social responsibility who are passionate about volunteering to empower children. Volunteers will gain a sense of pride by engaging with and advancing children who rely heavily on these orphaned centers for their day-to-day needs. Every minute of your time with us supports the everyday needs of neglected orphan communities in Myanmar.

At the end of their assignment, the participating volunteers will receive a special award of gratitude from the Mary K. Yap Foundation as a token of appreciation for bringing that extra care to orphans.

In addition, the Foundation will honor these exceptional individuals at one of our fundraising dinner events as a recipient of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s global citizen award for their generous efforts. 

Enter here to sign up on your interest.

Sponsor a Child Program
CORPORATE NEWS

Sponsor an Orphan Child Program

Have you ever thought of doing something enriching, never done before that is exceptionally gratifying?  It’s about changing a person’s life forever with one single step.

 

Have you ever thought of doing something enriching, never done before that is exceptionally gratifying?  It’s about changing a person’s life forever with one single step.   

You can now be part of that life experience by becoming an exclusive ambassador club of the “Sponsor an Orphanage” program. 

Orphaned children are most vulnerable.   They need your help the most. They are small children as young as one year old and sometimes even younger than one, who have lost one or both parents.  These youths hope that their lives will be better one day.  You can be part of the special club to bring life-impacting differences!

Orphan children need heroes, champions, someone who will regularly help them, support them, and love them in a way they can.   Regular contribution of little as US$1 a day brings these orphans constant hope that their lives will be better and successful one day. 

Mary K. Yap Foundation organizes the “Sponsor an Orphanage” program in which your sponsorship funds can either be singled out to support an individual orphan child or allocate it into a general fund that supports specific empowerment programs for an orphanage.   Once signed up, our team will share orphans’ life stories profile to those who enroll in the “Sponsor an Orphanage” program. In addition, you will be updated on the progress made at the end of the year by directly receiving a letter from the orphaned child or from the headmaster of orphanage who received your donation support. 

Sponsoring and building a relationship with an orphanage brings satisfaction, real hope, and a life-affirming experience. It gives the orphaned children life-changing basics like food, clean water, healthcare, and education. These orphaned children need a hero and someone to lean on.   

Be that person to bring that change forever.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

Ambassador for All: Angelina Jolie

 

“A mother of six doing it all for the Orphan Bill.”

– Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, a famous American actress, is a mother of six children in which, three of whom she adopted internationally, and the other three was biological. Jolie had first witnessed the effects of a humanitarian crisis while filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) in war-torn Cambodia. Having seen it, Jolie contacted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for information on international trouble spots. She began visiting refugee camps worldwide to learn more about the conditions in these areas. 

Angelina Jolie was moved because of the children and the people she has witnessed from around the world, resulting in her considering adoption

Angelina Jolie says,

 “Each is a beautiful way of becoming family. It is important to speak openly about all of it and share. ‘Adoption’ and ‘orphanage’ are positive words in our home. I can’t speak of pregnancy with my adopted children, but I speak with much detail and love about the journey to find them and what it was like to look in their eyes for the first time.” 

 

Angelina Jolie is truly the definition of an advocate, for she is taking strides to help children in need in developing countries. In 2007, Angelina Jolie launched the Global Action for Children (GAC) Program to help orphaned children in third-world countries receive support, including a free primary school education. Jolie spends considerable time assisting orphans in third-world countries, for many of her children are adopted from poor nations. 

Jolie and her former husband, Brad Pitt, also worked towards passing the Orphan’s Bill in Congress for orphaned children in poverty-stricken nations to gain access to a proper education. They believe these countries will improve if the future generation is properly educated, helping to end the continuous cycle of poverty. Angelina Jolie wishes to see millions of orphaned children receive proper care and support through the Orphan’s Bill. Through this, hopes that the poverty-stricken nations surrounding them will also improve.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation would like to acknowledge Angelina Jolie in our Individual Spotlight series as an incredible ambassador and inspiration to all children, especially those most vulnerable and affected. 

CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 3
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

#NourishHope for Orphan Children

Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #NourishHope Campaign: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time.

The NourishHope campaign initiated by the Mary K. Yap Foundation is a guiding light for Myanmar’s disadvantaged children, mainly orphaned pupils. These children, lacking parental care and guardianship, face immense challenges in accessing proper nourishment and support. With a population of fifty-three million and ongoing political transitions, Myanmar’s need for food aid is critical, especially in conflict-ridden areas. Orphanages are vital in caring for these vulnerable children, but resources often fall short of meeting the growing demand.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Mary K. Yap Foundation launched the NourishHope campaign: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time, which focuses on providing essential food supplies, including rice bags and plates, to orphanages across Myanmar. One such orphanage benefiting from this program is the Galilee Orphanage, where monthly donations of rice and other nutritious food items ensure that the orphans and the orphanage staff have enough to eat. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also promotes the overall well-being of these children.

The NourishHope campaign initiated by the Mary K. Yap Foundation is a guiding light for Myanmar’s disadvantaged children, mainly orphaned pupils. These children, lacking parental care and guardianship, face immense challenges in accessing proper nourishment and support. With a population of fifty-three million and ongoing political transitions, Myanmar’s need for food aid is critical, especially in conflict-ridden areas. Orphanages are vital in caring for these vulnerable children, but resources often fall short of meeting the growing demand.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Mary K. Yap Foundation launched the NourishHope campaign: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time, which focuses on providing essential food supplies, including rice bags and plates, to orphanages across Myanmar. One such orphanage benefiting from this program is the Galilee Orphanage, where monthly donations of rice and other nutritious food items ensure that the orphans and the orphanage staff have enough to eat. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also promotes the overall well-being of these children.

Through strategic partnerships with corporate entities, the NourishHope campaign is part of a broader Food Development Plan aimed at significantly improving the nutritional status of orphaned children. By ensuring a steady food supply to orphanages, the Mary K. Yap Foundation envisions a future where malnutrition among these vulnerable groups decreases substantially. This support enables these children to thrive as responsible individuals and contribute positively to their communities and country.

The impact of the NourishHope campaign extends beyond filling stomachs; it fosters hope and resilience among orphaned children, showing them that they are not forgotten and that brighter days lie ahead. With continued support and collaboration, the Mary K. Yap Foundation aims to create a sustainable model that uplifts the lives of these children, empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their nation.

Father’s Day
COMMENTARIES

Finding Strength on Father’s Day

As we celebrate  Father’s Day in 2022, we remember the adage, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” Fathers have traditionally been seen as strong men who will protect their children throughout their life and who we look up to by the children as their hero.

 

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A father plays one of the most decisive influences on a child’s life, ideally bringing some of the best out in character development for their children. People often celebrate this joyous occasion in July by spending time with their fathers. Unfortunately, this is not the case for orphans who have lost their parents early.

Orphaned children who have lost their fathers, from whatever reason, may feel incomplete. They have lost a primary role model and hero in life, thus many feel isolated and vulnerable. These children may also grow up lacking certain qualities and are less able to set specific priorities for their future success. 

Celebrating Father’s Day is not the same for every child in the world. Orphaned children, especially those left behind at an early age, may have already lost any memory of their fathers.  Let this be a call for everyone to appreciate, love, and support orphaned children as America celebrates Father’s Day.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

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 having a face-to-face class set-up to having virtual classes.

Many businesses were also affected and needed to close, resulting in people losing jobs. However, despite the downside of the pandemic year, some companies grew exponentially, especially those online platform businesses like Amazon.

Since a lot of people are afraid to go outside to shop and buy necessary things, people resorted to believing in online platform businesses. Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos, said she accelerated her charitable donations because of the “wrecking ball” effect of the coronavirus, which she noted has also “substantially increased the wealth of billionaires.” 

Melissa Berman, CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, told Bloomberg that Scott’s nearly $6 billion in donations this year “has to be one of the biggest annual distributions by a living individual” to working charities.  Scott also signed the Giving Pledge in 2019, promising to give most of her wealth to philanthropy. 

This is great news for the economy because even though we are undergoing a pandemic, still some businesses are getting their target sales thus, it will not have a great low impact on the economy. It’s a blessing to have someone like Mackenzie Scott, who supports the welfare of others and who has a generous heart for giving back to other people. 

Like Mary K. Yap Foundation, the people behind this foundation have a great heart for orphaned children who need help. They aim to support orphans and philanthropies because they believe that these people can still go a long way given the proper care and guidance. 

#TeddyBear4Hold
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

#TeddyBear4Hug for an Orphan Child

Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #TeddyBear4Hug: Strong Companions, Cuddles of Comfort

The #TeddyBear4Hug campaign orchestrated by Mary K. Yap Foundation encapsulates the essence of compassion and warmth, particularly directed towards vulnerable orphans in Myanmar. In a world where these children might often feel abandoned or neglected, this initiative stands tall as a giver of hope and companionship. Imagine the joy in a child’s eyes when they receive a soft, cuddly companion to hold onto during lonely nights. It’s more than just a stuffed toy; it’s a symbol of love, security, and the assurance that they are not alone.

For over two decades, the Mary K. Yap Foundation has been a pillar of support for orphaned children across Myanmar. The evolution of the One Stuff Animal Project into the TeddyBear4Hug campaign showcases a commitment to innovation and meaningful impact. Every year, this campaign not only provides physical comfort but also nurtures emotional well-being. It’s a testament to the power of small gestures in making a significant difference in someone’s life.

At the core of the #TeddyBear4Hug campaign is the belief that every child deserves to feel cherished and valued. By joining hands with the Mary K. Yap Foundation, you become a part of a larger movement that spreads love and positivity. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, each contribution plays a vital role in brightening a child’s world. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that transcends borders and touches hearts.

The impact of this campaign goes beyond the physical act of giving a teddy bear. It fosters a sense of belonging and security among orphans who might otherwise feel lost or forgotten. The simple act of holding onto a teddy bear can provide immense comfort during vulnerable moments, especially at night when the absence of parental warmth is deeply felt. It’s about instilling hope and resilience in young hearts, empowering them to believe in a brighter tomorrow.

Join us in amplifying the message of love and companionship through the #TeddyBear4Hug campaign. Together, let’s extend unlimited hugs to these deserving children, reminding them that they are cherished, valued, and never alone. Your support can make a world of difference in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive future for all.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

Save the Children: Camilla Cabello

 

“An electrifying Cuban singer is bringing positive change.”

Camilla Cabello is a Cuban American Singer-Songwriter born in Havana, Cuba, on March 3, 1997. In February 2016, she partnered with Save the Children to design a limited-edition “Love Only” T-shirt to help raise awareness of issues involving girls’ equal access to education, health care, and opportunities to succeed. She also later created her charity single, together with the members of the nonprofit arts organization OMG Everywhere, called “Power in Me.” Cabello has also partnered with the Children’s Health Fund, a non-profit dedicated to providing health care to low-income families with children.

 

On April 3, 2017, Cabello performed at Zedd’s WELCOME! Fundraising Concert, which raised money for ACLU. That same year, she joined Lin-Manuel Miranda and multiple other Latin artists on the song “Almost Like Praying” for Puerto Rico hurricane relief. Cabello also announced she was donating all proceeds of “Havana” to the ACLU for Dreamers.

Cabello donated portions of proceeds from VIP sale packages to the Children’s Health Fund while on 2018 Never Be the Same tour. On July 13, 2018, she performed a concert in San Juan and donated some proceeds to the Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. In November 2018, Cabello became an ambassador for Save the Children.

In March 2019, Cabello announced she donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for a homeless immigrant. She also pledged to raise $250,000 for the Save the Children organization. In October 2019, Cabello performed at the We Can Survive concert, which donates to breast cancer. She also participated in iHeart Media’s Living Room Concert for America, a benefit to raise awareness and funds for the COVID-19 pandemic. In March and April 2020, Cabello participated in Global Citizen Festival’s Together at Home virtual concert to raise awareness and funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Foundation is pleased to recognize the extraordinary services and offerings of Camilla Cabello at a young age.  As part of our online blog posting on the Individual Spotlight series, we would like to recognize her love for the needy population in distress. She is one of our young, inspired leaders who bring positive change to disadvantaged children’s communities.