Lighting the Way to a Quiet Strength
Lighting the Way: Supporting Orphaned Youth at the Home of the Beacon
Mingalar Don, Yangon, Myanmar – The Mary K. Yap Foundation is pleased to share highlights from our recent visit to the Home of the Beacon, a longstanding and deeply respected orphanage nestled in the heart of Yangon. With over seventy-seven children in its care, this protective home of quiet resilience continues to provide not only shelter, but a nurturing environment grounded in compassion and faith. Leading the visit were Foundation Executive Director Peter K. Yap and Program Manager Meme Lwin, who also serves as one of our four Myanmar-based orphanage ambassadors—part of a dedicated network of sixteen global ambassadors working toward meaningful change for orphaned youth. The Home of the Beacon was also one of twenty-three participating institutions in our recent nationwide charity film viewing event, which fostered unity and emotional connection across Myanmar’s orphanage communities.
The visit offered a comprehensive look into the day-to-day life at the home, revealing a space thoughtfully designed to support the holistic development of its children. The compound features a small church that encourages spiritual growth and community bonding, a sustainable garden where the children learn to cultivate vegetables and herbs, and a modest library that provides a quiet place for reading and learning. One of the most impactful areas was the computer room, made possible through the generosity of a Korean organization. This room plays a critical role in equipping the children with essential digital skills. However, one need that stood out was the ongoing challenge of securing clean, reliable water—a fundamental necessity that remains in short supply. Our Foundation recognizes this urgent issue and is exploring avenues to extend future support in this area through #H20Hope.
A particularly heartfelt moment of the visit was the intimate gathering between Ambassador Meme Lwin and the children. Sitting in a circle, the children openly shared their thoughts about the film they had recently seen during the charity viewing event. Their reflections were thoughtful and moving, centered around the emotional core of the story: that no matter where life leads, the longing to return home remains strong. This sentiment deeply resonated with their lived experiences, and it was inspiring to witness their capacity to connect, reflect, and articulate the value of home, belonging, and identity. Moments like these are at the heart of the Foundation’s mission—to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and empowered.
To make the visit both memorable and joyful, the Foundation brought a collection of toys, games, t-shirts, and practical household items for the children to use and enjoy. Their beaming smiles and infectious excitement reminded us that even the simplest acts of kindness can have a powerful impact. We extend our sincere gratitude to our B2B partner, Unilever Myanmar, for generously donating essential hygiene items such as toothpaste and soap—contributions that help maintain health and dignity within the home. We also wish to express heartfelt appreciation to Auntie Thet, who honored her ten-year-old grandson, Oakar, with a loving donation of a box of noodle supplies. This thoughtful gesture brought not just nourishment, but a personal touch of care and connection. These combined efforts from our partners and supporters exemplify the community spirit that sustains orphanages like the Home of the Beacon—places where love, strength, and hope quietly flourish every day.
