07Jul2025

Making a Difference ●Building Dreams ● Creating Impact ● Saving Lives

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HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
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MTM sister
TESTIMONIES
September 24, 2023

Reflections of Sister Rose Mary

My name is Sister Rose Mary. I am now assigned to the St. Francis Xavier Convent in Myitkyina, Kachin, in northern Myanmar.

#I have been serving the ministry little over 40 years.  I was previously assigned to the Myittamone Orphanage in Hwabi in 2015 when I received Mr. Peter K. Yap and his family at our orphanage home.  I’ve known the Mary K. Yap Foundation for seven years now. They are like a family to us. The organization continuously visits and checks on us, especially our children.

As an orphanage organization under the Roman Catholic Church of the Myanmar Diocese, our vision is to bring out the best in our children so they can grow under God’s care and have the necessary skill sets to take on future responsibilities to become reliable adults. We see these orphans as someone who can turn their futures better. We believe that their past shouldn’t be something that can affect their future. They are just like other children who need someone to depend on and someone who believes in them. 

We have been in contact with Mary K. Yap Foundation since 2015. We have done several impactful programs together. We are excited to see and develop joint programs with them whenever they visit our orphanage. We have also participated in the foundation’s “One Stuff Animal Project.” It is a yearly program that focuses on the social connection and development of the children.  

The tender love and Care project and their annual foundation Christmas celebration are held yearly. Together with the volunteers, the program aims to allow some time for the orphans to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season. The foundation organizes and prepares some entertainment, games, and food to share with. I love how happy the orphans were. The smiles on their faces are worth every moment. I know they feel loved and content in these times. 

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As a lead sister of the orphanage, these orphans are very close to my heart. I feel them every time. I also believe in them. I know they are worth more than their sad history. I know they can be successful one day because, just like the others, they are smart kids that’s why I am one of those people who believe in and support them all the way. I think these children should feel the love and care of someone who truly appreciates them. They are our future; they are worth more. 

Mary K. Yap Foundation is truly a blessing for every orphan. I want supporters and donors to know how much the organization appreciates the orphan community. They have a huge heart for these children. The company cares for the orphans like a family. I am one of the biggest foundation’s supporters. I am looking forward to every opportunity for their projects. I hope they can organize more events that the orphans will truly enjoy.

With God’s Love

Sister Rosemary”

Direct Translation by MF Staff, Shelly

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
August 24, 2023

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 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 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 US with a 100-meter outdoor personal best of 10.13 seconds.

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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 and honors their strength, resilience, and determination. Carlin Isles is a shining example of what can be achieved when one rises above adversity, believes in their own potential, and commits to hard work and perseverance. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing inspiring journeys, the Foundation proudly features Carlin Isles in our Individual Spotlight—a quarterly edition that celebrates individuals who exemplify the spirit of courage and transformation. Through this recognition, we aim to inspire the orphaned and foster care communities we serve, reminding every child that their dreams are valid and their potential is limitless.

By admin
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 1
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
July 26, 2023

#Road2Digital for Orphan Children

Campaign Standouts: 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.

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By admin
7. Landing a hand
CORPORATE NEWS
July 25, 2023

Lending a Hand: Volunteers in Action

TThe “Lending a Hand” program offers life-enriching volunteer opportunities for inspired young adults, university students, and global citizens who are eager to make a meaningful impact. Sponsored and organized by the Mary K. Yap Foundation, this program welcomes compassionate individuals to serve orphanage communities in Myanmar through short-term assignments lasting three to six months. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting various areas such as event coordination, donor relations, administrative tasks, and virtual assistance.

Participants will work closely with the Foundation’s management team and Orphanage Ambassadors to implement innovative development programs. Volunteer engagements range from spending weekends at registered orphanages and teaching English to participating in the Teddy Bears for Hugs campaign and performing cultural shows at charity concerts. Additional opportunities include sponsoring a child with as little as a dollar a day or serving as an Orphan Ambassador to promote sustainability efforts. Volunteers are assigned to specific orphanages based on project needs and timelines, with additional opportunities to participate in field activities focused on education and health development for underserved youth.

#The mission of the Mary K. Yap Foundation is to strengthen and build orphanage communities by equipping them with the resources they need to care for vulnerable children. We are proud to partner with individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of social responsibility and are committed to empowering the next generation. Through their involvement, volunteers gain pride and purpose by helping children who depend on these centers for daily support. Every moment dedicated by our volunteers contributes to improving the lives of orphaned children across Myanmar.

At the conclusion of their service, volunteers will be presented with a special award of appreciation from the Mary K. Yap Foundation. Select individuals will also be honored at one of our signature fundraising dinners as recipients of the Foundation’s Global Citizen Award, recognizing their heartfelt dedication and generous efforts. If you’re ready to take part in this meaningful journey, we invite you to Sign Up and express your interest today.

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By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
June 24, 2023

Save the Children: Camilla Cabello

An electrifying Cuban singer is bringing positive change.”

Born in Cojímar, Cuba, Camila Cabello immigrated to the United States with her mother at a young age, bringing with her the dreams and determination that would one day shape her into an international pop sensation. Rising to fame as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony and later launching a successful solo career, Cabello quickly became known not only for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, but also for her commitment to using her platform for meaningful change. Her journey from a young immigrant with limited resources to a global music icon is a story of courage, ambition, and heart.

Throughout her career, Camila has made it a point to stay grounded in her roots and advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. She has been a vocal supporter of immigrant rights and has spoken publicly about her own family’s struggles in pursuit of a better life. In 2018, she partnered with Save the Children, an organization focused on improving the lives of children across the globe, to help raise awareness and resources for children facing poverty, violence, and displacement. That same year, she also launched the “Healing Justice Project,” which provides mental health resources for youth activists. Her actions show a strong alignment between her personal values and her philanthropic commitments.

# Camila’s dedication to youth empowerment resonates strongly with the mission of the Mary K. Yap Foundation. Like our work with orphaned and disadvantaged children, Camila’s efforts highlight the importance of nurturing emotional well-being, creating access to education, and empowering young people to believe in their worth. Whether she’s supporting humanitarian causes or amplifying messages of self-love and resilience through her music, Camila exemplifies what it means to give back with purpose and compassion.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation is proud to feature Camila Cabello in our Individual Spotlight series, celebrating her unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities. Her voice—both as an artist and as an advocate—continues to inspire a generation to act with empathy and conviction. As we work to transform the lives of orphaned children through care, opportunity, and empowerment, we find in Camila’s journey a kindred spirit who reminds us all that change begins when we choose to care deeply and act boldly.

By admin
Sponsor a Child Program
CORPORATE NEWS
June 20, 2023

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.”

BBecoming a sponsor through the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s “Sponsor an Orphanage” program offers you a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference in the life of a child who has lost everything. Orphaned children—some as young as three months old—are among the most vulnerable members of our global community. They live each day hoping for a brighter tomorrow, and your involvement can turn that hope into reality. By joining this heartfelt mission, you become part of an exclusive Ambassador Club committed to uplifting the lives of orphaned children through consistent care, love, and support.

These children do not ask for much—just someone to believe in them. A daily contribution of just one U.S. dollar has the power to transform their lives by providing nourishment, education, emotional care, and a sense of belonging. More than a donation, your sponsorship becomes a symbol of encouragement that tells these children their lives matter and their futures are worth fighting for. Every contribution gives them a new reason to believe they can achieve more than their circumstances dictate.

These children do not ask for much—just someone to believe in them. A daily contribution of just one U.S. dollar has the power to transform their lives by providing nourishment, education, emotional care, and a sense of belonging. More than a donation, your sponsorship becomes a symbol of encouragement that tells these children their lives matter and their futures are worth fighting for. Every contribution gives them a new reason to believe they can achieve more than their circumstances dictate.

#The Mary K. Yap Foundation offers two impactful ways to give: you can sponsor a specific child or contribute to a general fund that supports orphanage-wide empowerment programs (See Donate to Impact). Upon enrollment, you’ll receive personal life story profiles of the children supported by your generosity. Each year, sponsors are honored with handwritten letters or updates from either the sponsored child or the headmaster of the orphanage—real, tangible evidence of the progress and joy your compassion has created. This connection bridges continents and reminds us all that love knows no borders.

Sponsorship goes far beyond charity—it creates a bond of trust, hope, and shared humanity. As a sponsor, you become an unified strength for children who once felt invisible. Your support helps provide critical essentials such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education—resources that give orphaned children the foundation to grow into strong, confident, and capable adults. In return, you’ll gain the immeasurable joy of knowing that you were the reason a child dared to dream again. Now is your chance to be the hero they’ve been waiting for.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
June 10, 2023

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 deeply moved by the children and the countless lives she encountered during her travels around the world, witnessing firsthand the hardships they faced—an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective and ultimately led her to consider adoption as a way to provide love, stability, and a future for those in need.

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.

By admin
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 3
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
June 5, 2023

#NourishHope for Orphan Children

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

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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.

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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
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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