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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
November 24, 2019

The Lady: Aung San Suu Kyi

To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.”

– Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi, the most visible and polarizing political figure in Myanmar’s modern history, has contributed much to the country. She is an advocate of freedom and democracy. She was awarded the 1990 Rafto Prize and the Sakharov Prize in 1990, awarded to individuals that have distinguished themselves in their work for human rights and democracy. She has also won a $1.3 million Nobel prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights that she used and donated to establish a health and education trust for the Burmese people, wherein she founded Daw Khin Kyi Foundation.

“By helping others, you will learn how to help yourself.”

– Aung San Suu Kyi

The Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, named after the memory of her mother, Daw Khin Kyi, is a non-profit charitable organization that promotes the country’s people’s health, education, and living standards, focusing its attention, especially on the needs of Burma’s least developed areas. The foundation has developed different programs to achieve the needs of the citizens in Myanmar, which are mostly concerned about health, specifically Mobile Library for education, Hospitality and Catering Training Academy, La Yaung Taw (a Horticulture Training Academy), which provides Humanitarian assistance, and others.

#The foundation’s mission is to achieve these goals irrespective of ethnicity, race, political division, or religion, believing that improvement in one place creates a better future for all. Aung San Suu Kyi has the purest heart and gives all their love to her citizens, as she stated that she is willing to donate her body organs to whoever may need them, even if this can cause harm and death. She also presented her house as an exhibition for the young generation to observe how Burmese Traditions and Burmese woman’s culture and outfits. Given her love for the country, Aung San Suu Kyi is considered the heart of Myanmar.

Mary K. Yap Foundation recognizes Aung San Suu Kyi’s undivided attention dedicated to the people of Myanmar and to providing humanitarian attention to the country she bravely extends to the fullest.

By admin
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 2
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
September 6, 2019

#Each1TeachOne for Orphans

Mary K. Yap Foundation’s #Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You – Empowering Orphaned Children in Myanmar Through Language

The Mary K. Yap Foundation firmly believes that language is more than just a subject—it is a vital tool for connection, understanding, and growth. English, being the most widely used language across the world, opens the door to global communication, education, and employment. That is why the Foundation launched the “#Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You” initiative: a program designed to provide orphaned and underprivileged children in Myanmar with early access to structured English learning.

Targeting children aged 10 to 16, this program aims to build their confidence by teaching them essential English skills from the ground up. The goal is to gradually guide them toward an intermediate level of proficiency—enabling them to understand, speak, and use English in real-life situations.

A Structured Program with a Personal Touch

The course runs throughout the year in quarterly phases. Each phase introduces carefully selected topics suited to the children’s age and learning ability, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The classes are held inside orphanages, making education both accessible and comfortable. This approach allows children to learn without the stress of traveling or adapting to new environments.

The Foundation works closely with orphanage staff and local educators to ensure that every student receives attention and encouragement. By creating a safe and familiar learning atmosphere, the program fosters not only language development but also personal growth and emotional well-being.

Why Early English Education Matters

Introducing English education at an early age gives these children a valuable head start. As they grow, the ability to understand and communicate in English can help them pass university entrance exams, apply for scholarships, or even find better job opportunities in the future. Beyond academics, learning English strengthens their ability to engage with the world—through books, the internet, media, and cross-cultural communication. It also instills a sense of pride and possibility, helping children believe in their potential and imagine new futures for themselves. The results speak for themselves. Recent updates from the field show clear improvement in the children’s language skills and confidence. Many now participate more actively in class, express themselves with ease, and show a stronger desire to learn.

#To ensure continued success, the Foundation regularly evaluates each child’s progress and adapts lesson plans accordingly. With each cycle, the curriculum is improved, the teaching methods refined, and the support system strengthened. The #Each1TeachOne program is not just about learning English—it’s about building bridges toward a better future. The Mary K. Yap Foundation remains dedicated to giving every orphaned child the opportunity to rise, grow, and succeed—one word at a time.

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By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 22, 2019

From Orphan to a Transformative Leader

International Orphan Day: A Tribute to Malcolm X,

As we commemorate International Orphan Day, the Mary K. Yap Foundation is honored to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Malcolm X. His journey from a childhood marked by profound adversity to becoming one of the most prolific and impactful civil rights leaders of our times serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the potential for transformation, regardless of early-life circumstances.

A Childhood Forged in Trauma and Adversity

#Malcolm X’s childhood began with an unforgettable traumatic experience. On September 28, 1931, when he was just six years old, his ministerial father, Earl Little, was brutally murdered by the Black Legion, a notorious racist terrorist organization. This devastating loss plunged the family into immediate crisis. The situation worsened considerably for the now fatherless Malcolm when his single mother, Louise Little, a resilient woman raising seven children, was tragically diagnosed with a mental illness. Her condition necessitated her registration at a mental institution, where she would remain for an astonishing 26 years.

The day-to-day survival became a massive, unrelenting struggle for the Little family. With no one able to consistently look after them, Malcolm and his siblings were fragmented, living in various foster families under the government assistance program. Malcolm’s formal education was abruptly cut short; he did not finish school past the seventh grade and was subsequently sent to a juvenile home in the nearly all-white community of Mason, Michigan. A few years after living with foster parents, a pivotal moment arrived in 1941 when Ella Collins, Malcolm’s half-sister, gained custody of the 15-year-old Malcolm, bringing him to Boston.

From Hustle to Self-Education: The Making of a Mind

As a youngster growing up as an orphan under his half-sister’s care, Malcolm seized every possible opportunity that came his way to make ends meet. This led to a series of challenging “odd jobs” on railroads, in restaurants, bars, shoeshine stands, and jewelry stores. His path during these formative years also included brushes with the law, even leading to convictions for breaking and entering and possessing firearms.

Yet, despite these misguided turns, Malcolm remarkably transformed his time in prison into an invaluable period of self-improvement. He made the absolute best of his jail time, dedicating himself to reading and devouring books at the prison library. Malcolm’s insatiable desire to read and learn as much as possible during his incarceration was his profound way of compensating for the education he had missed when he dropped out of high school. It was during this period of intense self-study that his intellect sharpened, his worldview expanded, and the foundations of his future leadership began to form.

A Powerful Voice for Black Empowerment

#Malcolm’s exceptional ability to inspire both Nation of Islam (NOI) members and non-members quickly became evident. This charisma and intellect earned him rapid ascent within the organization, leading to his appointment as the first minister to various temples, culminating in his highest appointment as the Chief Minister of Harlem’s Temple 7 in 1961, a role bestowed upon him by Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the NOI. Malcolm emerged as a staunch believer in the empowerment of Black people. He passionately advocated for Black communities to create their own power structures, build their own institutions, and generate their own wealth, directly challenging the then-dominant ideals of integration and racial acceptance. Malcolm also held a strong conviction in the notion of self-defense as a necessary alternative to nonviolent resistance, becoming extremely vocal on subjects he held so dearly, resonating with a segment of the Black community seeking a more assertive path to liberation.

Malcolm X’s Enduring Legacy: Courage, Determination, and Integrity

Despite the distressed and turbulent environment he endured throughout his early life, Malcolm X never ceased pursuing his agendas and sharing his profound knowledge with everyone who would listen. He embodied the very essence of living by one’s words and integrity – a principle that resonates deeply with and aligns perfectly with one of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s three core pillars. He demonstrably refused to let life’s complications or his challenging beginnings deter him from accomplishing his personal goals and motives. With courage and determination, Malcolm X achieved an indelible mark on history, demonstrating that even the most arduous journeys can lead to monumental impact. His life stands as a powerful reminder for all orphaned and underserved children, proving that with resilience and dedication, one can transcend adversity and become a force for positive change.

By admin
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CORPORATE NEWS
March 5, 2019

The “Movie for Charity” Initiative

Lights, Camera, Action for a Cause: The “Movie for Charity” Initiative

The Mary K. Yap Foundation is thrilled to announce an exciting and innovative new venture in our ongoing efforts to uplift and advance Myanmar’s orphan community: the “Movie for Charity” initiative. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant extension of our vibrant fundraising activities, demonstrating our commitment to creative and impactful ways of generating support. We are incredibly proud to be working in a landmark partnership with Mandalay Productions LLC on this pioneering project, which centers around their first-ever feature film. The net proceeds generated from this “Movie for Charity” program will directly benefit the advancement of orphaned children in Myanmar, providing resources for their education, health, and overall well-being.

Our Board expresses tremendous appreciation for this unique collaboration, which allows us to work intimately with a highly creative and esteemed film and video production company. Mandalay Productions LLC, strategically based in both the United States and Myanmar, is renowned for its commitment to delivering and producing unrivaled films. Their dedication to maintaining and providing the best international filmmaking practices aligns perfectly with our foundation’s pursuit of excellence in all endeavors. 

#The highly anticipated feature film at the heart of this initiative, powerfully titled “Myittar” (meaning “loving-kindness” or “compassion” in Burmese), promises to be a unique and compelling cultural blend. It will proudly showcase the exceptional talents of well-known artists from Myanmar alongside emerging and established stars from the Burmese American acting community. This cinematic fusion is truly historic. Mandalay Productions LLC stands as the sole financial partner and producer of this monumental project – marking it as the first Burmese and American feature film ever to be filmed across both the United States and Myanmar (Burma).

The Mary K. Yap Foundation takes enormous pride in vigorously promoting our worldwide non-profit initiative, championing the “Movie-for-Charity” project and its esteemed affiliation with Mandalay Productions LLC, as we believe it represents a new frontier in philanthropic engagement through art.

By admin
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CORPORATE NEWS
March 2, 2019

The “Music for Charity” for Orphan Youths

Harmonizing for Hope: Mary K. Yap Foundation’s “Music for Charity”

As part of our foundation’s ongoing commitment to transform the lives of Myanmar’s orphaned children, the Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly organized and launched our impactful “Music for Charity” fundraising campaign. This cherished event ran annually from 2001 to date, offering a free show for the entire community to enjoy. Each year, we rented a theater and convention room, creating a vibrant space for connection and contribution.

#The heart of “Music for Charity” lies in our passionate community of volunteers and diverse entertainment contributors. These dedicated individuals grace the stage, performing beloved traditional Myanmar songs and captivating dances, creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural celebration. To maximize the charitable funds for Myanmar’s orphans, the Mary K. Yap Foundation distributes special coupons. Friends and families within the community then sell these to their networks, allowing attendees to purchase delicious traditional Burmese foods, expertly prepared and sold by generous contributors. Additionally, some donors contribute food directly to the event, further enhancing the culinary experience. Of course, direct financial support and donations are always warmly welcomed at the “Music for Charity” event.

To collect charitable funds for the Myanmar orphans, Mary K. Yap Foundation distributes coupons wherein that friends and families from the community will sell to their networks which they can use to purchase traditional Burmese foods prepared and sold by some contributors. In addition, some donors donate food at the event. Financial support and donations are also generously welcome at the Music for Charity event.

The annual gathering sees guests, donors, partners, volunteers, and family members coming together to enjoy the performances, a testament to the collective effort to help and transform the lives of Myanmar orphans. To uphold our core value of transparency in donation amounts, the Mary K. Yap Foundation consistently publishes a financial clearance report. This document details the previous year’s collected funds and the exact amount disbursed to Myanmar orphans, ensuring everyone knows precisely how their contributions are making a difference.

The foundation’s ultimate desire is to significantly increase awareness of the everyday needs of orphaned children in Myanmar. We believe that as more people become aware of the “Music for Charity” event and the critical work we do, more donors and vital funds will become available, propelling us closer to achieving our mission of empowering orphaned children throughout Myanmar. The Mary K. Yap Foundation firmly believes that even a small effort goes a long way. Therefore, we passionately encourage everyone to donate or volunteer their time to support the future generation of these deserving children, helping us continue to harmonize for hope.

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By admin
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 6
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
August 2, 2018

#H.S.Diploma Program for Orphans

In collaboration with our dedicated educational partners, the Mary K. Yap Foundation has proudly launched the H.S. Diploma: High School Diploma program for Orphans

This innovative initiative is designed to deliver opportunities to every orphaned student from Grade 8 (age 14) to Grade 10 (age 16) in Myanmar. The H.S.Program provides financial assistance to academically inspired orphaned children. Furthermore, it aims to give focused and dedicated attention to those talented orphans navigating their final three years of high school curriculum studies in Myanmar. The program offers comprehensive support, including proper guidance, specialized training, and essential after-school tuition classes, all meticulously designed to mold them into well-rounded individuals. The increased accessibility to robust educational support will provide a critical opportunity for these students to advance both academically and socially during these pivotal high school years (Grades 8 to 10). This extra attention is crucial; it helps accelerate their learning, ensuring they meet all academic requirements and significantly increases their chances of graduating from High School.

For students in Myanmar, Grade 10 is the key to unlocking every future opportunity. Understanding this, the Mary K. Yap Foundation takes care of all necessary educational support. This allows the children to concentrate fully on their studies, perform well in their exams, and be thoroughly prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of university education. We handle the logistical and financial burdens so they can focus on their academic journey.

A Collaborative Path to Success

#The success of the “H.S. Diploma” program hinges on a close and synergistic partnership between the participating orphanages, the selected orphan students, and the dedicated Foundation team. To ensure full transparency and accountability, regular progress reports tracking student performances are made available. This allows participating sponsors and donors to actively monitor the impact and success of their contributions.

If you would like to recommend an orphanage or an orphan student who could significantly benefit from the H.S. Diploma Program, please don’t hesitate to email us at hello@marykyapfoundation.org. Together, we can unlock a brighter future for these deserving young individuals.

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By admin