01Jul2025

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: Community impact

Building Hope Through Preschool Education commentaries
COMMENTARIES

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.

CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 5
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

#H20Hope: Clean Water Initiatives

Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s H2OHope Campaign: Fresh Starts, Clean Water for Orphaned Lives

At the Mary K Yap Foundation, we proudly announce the launch of our groundbreaking H2OHope Campaign: Fresh Starts, Clean Water for Orphaned Lives Campaign. This visionary initiative represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of orphanage communities worldwide. With a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of access to clean and sustainable water, our campaign aims to achieve dual objectives essential for the holistic well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Our primary focus is to establish reliable and safe water sources, ensuring that orphanages have continuous access to clean water for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and other essential needs. We are dedicated to promoting comprehensive water education programs that empower orphanage residents with essential knowledge and skills in water hygiene practices, sanitation, and conservation. Through this multifaceted approach, we strive to create lasting positive change and improve the overall health and quality of life for orphanage communities around the globe.

Key Challenges and Solutions:
  1. Access to Safe and Sustainable Water Sources: One of the critical challenges orphanage communities’ faces is the lack of access to clean and safe water sources. Many orphanages rely on contaminated water, leading to waterborne diseases and health complications among children and staff. To address this challenge, the H2OHope Campaign will work towards implementing sustainable solutions such as water purification systems, well drilling or repairs, and rainwater harvesting systems. By providing reliable access to clean water sources, we aim to improve orphanage communities’ overall health and well-being.
  2. Water Education and Hygiene Promotion: Another critical challenge is the lack of water education and hygiene promotion practices within orphanage communities. Children and caregivers are at risk of waterborne diseases without proper education on handwashing, safe water storage, and basic sanitation measures. Our campaign will focus on educating orphanage communities about the importance of hygiene and sanitation through workshops, training sessions, and educational materials. By empowering orphanage communities with knowledge, we aim to reduce waterborne diseases, improve overall health outcomes, and foster a culture of cleanliness and hygiene.
Our Plan of Action:

The Mary K Yap Foundation and our non-profit partners are committed to taking decisive action to address these water sanitation challenges. Our plan of action for the next three years (covering 2024 to 2026) includes the following work for orphanages in three phases:

      • Collaborating with local communities and experts to assess water needs and implement sustainable solutions.
      • Providing financial support and resources to install water purification systems, repair wells, and establish rainwater harvesting systems.
      • Conducting water education workshops and hygiene promotion campaigns to empower orphanage communities with knowledge and skills.
      • Monitoring and evaluating the impact of our interventions to ensure long-term sustainability and positive outcomes for orphanage communities.

Join us in our fundraising campaign #H20Hope to transform lives through clean water. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of orphaned children and contribute to a healthier and brighter future for all.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Planting the Seeds of a New Hope

Our vision is to make the most significant impact on the orphan community in Myanmar by delivering quality programs that empower them to prosper and become successful, contributing citizens.

We firmly believe that every child, regardless of their early life circumstances, deserves the fundamental opportunity to reach their full potential. Our commitment extends far beyond simply providing basic necessities; we are dedicated to offering comprehensive support that fosters holistic development. This includes ensuring access to quality education, essential healthcare, practical vocational training, and vital psychosocial support, all meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual child.

By investing deeply in the growth and well-being of these young individuals, we aim to equip them with the tools and resilience needed to overcome adversity. Our programs are designed not just to address immediate needs but to cultivate essential life skills, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self-worth. We strive to create an environment where these children feel secure, valued, and empowered to dream big and work towards those dreams. This long-term perspective is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

#Ultimately, our goal is to enable these young people to integrate successfully into their communities and contribute positively to the future of Myanmar. We envision a generation of empowered individuals who are not only self-sufficient but also active participants in building a more prosperous and equitable society. Through mentorship, community engagement, and opportunities for leadership, we aim to nurture a sense of responsibility and belonging, ensuring they become valuable assets to their nation.

The success of our vision hinges on collaborative efforts, community involvement, and sustainable strategies. We are committed to working closely with local communities, government bodies, and other humanitarian organizations to maximize our reach and effectiveness. By building strong partnerships and fostering a culture of compassion and support, we believe we can truly transform the lives of orphaned children in Myanmar, giving them the bright future they deserve.