Orphan support – Mary K Yap Foundation

Tag: Orphan support

December 6, 2024

Partners of Hope: United for All Orphans

Partners of Hope: United for All Orphans

San Francisco, CA – The Mary K. Yap Foundation is honored to announce a powerful and purpose-driven collaboration with our Partners of Hope, including Corporate Partners and Social and Religious Development Organizations, all coming together in solidarity to support the Movie for Charity Project. This heartfelt initiative aims to enhance the well-being of orphaned children worldwide, utilizing the arts and storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action. The initiatives with our partners support the upcoming home premiere of Myittar, also known as Unbroken Ties, which will be showcased in nationwide theaters. The Foundation celebrates this cinematic moment as more than just a premiere—it is a call to compassion and a rallying point for those who believe in the dignity and future of every orphaned child.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation leads this impactful initiative in collaboration with Mandalay Productions, a visionary movie production house committed to socially responsible storytelling. The Foundation is proud to recognize World Trade Center Yangon as a Platinum Sponsor whose steadfast support has helped bring this charitable mission to life. Equally vital are the contributions of respected organizations, such as the Archdiocese of Yangon, the Myanmar Orphan Children Association, the Bamboo Congress, MyMe USA, and the Burmese American Catholic Fellowship, which is supported under the auspices of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Their involvement reflects the depth of faith-based and humanitarian commitment across local and disadvantaged communities.

The Foundation also extends its deepest appreciation to our business-to-business (B2B) partners, who have so graciously aligned their brand values with our service mission. Their support amplifies our ability to reach more children, provide them with more resources, and elevate the voices of those who are often unheard. Among the many notable sponsors are Unilever, ABank, Blazon, Excellence, YTL Foundation, KPay, Ipanema Kids, Sedona Hotel, Kui Shin Bo, Clinique, Yangon Trade and Convention Center, CODISA Foundation, Taungi Hotel, and Cambium Networks. These companies have exemplified a spirit of generosity and corporate responsibility that stands as a model for meaningful partnership.

Finally, we recognize the individuals who form the heart of this movement—those whose personal acts of giving have made a profound difference. We thank Dr. Aung, Ko Alf, Peter Wong, Seeni Mohammed, Dr. Su, Auntie Thet, Christophe, and the many devoted friends and family members who have become our Partners of Hope. Your compassion for voiceless and vulnerable children has breathed life into this film and the cause it represents. We are especially grateful to our orphanage ambassadors worldwide, including MeMe Lwin, Enrico Domingo, and Jay Edwin, as well as to all our passionate volunteers who have given their time and effort to benefit the children we serve. We appreciate their dedication and advocacy for the orphaned youths we support. Through Myittar (Unbroken Ties), we not only share a powerful story—we share a collective message of love, resilience, and hope that transcends borders and reminds us of the impact we can have when we stand together for those in need.

By marykyapfoundation

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

December 3, 2024

Distinguished Guests Attend Private Screening of Charity Film at Mega Ace Cinema

Distinguished Guests Attend Private Screening of Charity Film at Mega Ace Cinema

Yangon, Myanmar – We are honored to share the success of a special private screening of our Movie for Charity, held at Mega Ace Cinema and hosted by the Mary K. Yap Foundation in collaboration with Mandalay Productions. This heartfelt event occurred before the nationwide commercial release of Myanmar’s first charity-dedicated film, which is set to premiere in theaters nationwide on December 13, 2024. The screening offered an intimate and meaningful gathering that united distinguished diplomatic and nonprofit community members.

Among the notable guests in attendance were representatives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and several members of the diplomatic corps stationed in Myanmar. Their presence not only elevated the occasion but also reinforced the shared global commitment to championing the rights and futures of vulnerable children. The event was a powerful platform to highlight the film’s mission—raising awareness and funds for advancing orphaned children through education, wellness, and long-term empowerment.

Heartfelt exchanges, reflections, and a renewed unity around a shared cause marked the evening. Over light refreshments and a moving film presentation, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the foundation’s work and how the upcoming film serves as both a creative and charitable milestone for Myanmar. More than just a cinematic experience, the screening served as a call to action for those with the means and compassion to uplift those often left behind.

“As we prepare for the film’s public debut, this evening reminds us of the profound impact that art, community, and purpose can create when aligned,” said Peter K. Yap, Executive Director of the Mary K. Yap Foundation. “This film was made with love, driven by purpose, and fueled by the belief that every orphaned child deserves the opportunity to dream and thrive.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and stood with us in this vital mission. Together, we are lighting the path forward—one story, one child, and one act of kindness at a time.

By marykyapfoundation

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

December 1, 2024

Charity Film Campaign Takes Center Stage at St. Augustine Church Event

Charity Film Campaign Takes Center Stage at St. Augustine Church Event

Bahan, Yangon, Myanmar – We are excited to announce our joyful participation in the Charity Bazaar at St. Augustine Catholic Church this Sweet December—a heartfelt annual tradition that unites people from all walks of life in the spirit of giving. The event brought together a diverse and compassionate group of church members, community leaders, embassy representatives, and NGO partners, all eager to contribute to meaningful causes that uplift and inspire. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, purpose, and the unmistakable energy of a community working together toward a better tomorrow.

Throughout the day, a wide range of exhibitors showcased their charitable missions—each booth representing a shared commitment to service, from supporting displaced families and vulnerable children to promoting education, health, and empowerment in underserved communities. Visitors came not only to enjoy the festivities but with a clear intent to support and engage. Many generously offered their time, donations, and heartfelt encouragement, reminding us all that change begins with kindness and collective action. Their presence underscored the beauty of a community that gathers and gives with open hearts.

The Foundation was proud to be among the exhibitors, using this vibrant platform to promote the upcoming release of our charity film—a creative endeavor rooted in advocacy for orphaned children in Myanmar. With the support of more than 15 dedicated volunteers, our team passionately shared the mission behind the project, raising awareness and fostering meaningful conversations. Thanks to their tireless efforts and the overwhelming generosity of attendees, we successfully sold over 100 presale tickets to the film, with all proceeds going directly toward our initiatives for the welfare, education, and empowerment of orphaned youth.

This event was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of shared purpose, a reminder that extraordinary things can happen when communities come together with compassion and intent. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Charity Bazaar organizers, every visitor who stopped by our booth, and our incredible volunteers who helped make our campaign a success. We look forward to continuing this journey and invite everyone to stay connected as we approach the film’s official release, marking the next chapter in our mission to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most.

By marykyapfoundation

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

October 19, 2024

Charity Film Premieres in California at SVAPFF with Support from the Burmese American Community

Charity Film Premieres in California at SVAPFF with Support from the Burmese American Community

Santa Clara, CA, USA – In a moving display of unity and compassion, Foundation Founder Mary K. Yap and devoted patrons from the Burmese American Catholic Fellowship (BACF)—under the Archdiocese of San Francisco and led by Father Rick Vandewater—graced the California premiere of Unbroken Ties, a powerful charity film dedicated to bringing hope and support to orphaned children in Myanmar. Held during the 10th annual Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival (SVAPFF), the premiere marked a profound moment for the Burmese diaspora and local supporters, uniting communities in a shared mission of love, remembrance, and global responsibility. The event was completely sold out and drew a diverse audience, including friends, family members, and members of the broader Asian American community.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation, in collaboration with Mandalay Productions, proudly supported Unbroken Ties as part of its global Hope for All Orphans initiative. The film, written by Mary K. Yap and directed by award-winning filmmaker Graham Streeter, tells a profoundly human story that resonates across cultures and borders. It also featured unit direction by Myanmar’s own Grace Swe Zin Htaik, an Academy Award-winning actress and cultural icon, whose involvement lent even greater significance to the project. This creative team brought to life a cinematic expression of resilience, identity, and the enduring strength of children left behind by conflict and loss.

The film’s screening at SVAPFF was not only a creative milestone but a cultural one, as it represented the festival’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting compelling stories by and about the Asian American experience. Unbroken Ties joined a robust lineup of works that gave voice to underrepresented communities, celebrating their struggles and triumphs. While rooted in Myanmar’s orphan crisis, the festival provided an ideal platform for a film that conveys a universal message of hope, healing, and solidarity. This milestone marked the tenth festival appearance for the film, further expanding its reach to audiences committed to global humanitarian efforts through the arts.

Importantly, the premiere brought together the Burmese American community from across the San Francisco Bay Area, reaffirming their role in elevating this humanitarian message to an international stage. Their presence and participation helped amplify the Hope for All Orphans projects, which continue to advocate for the educational and emotional well-being of orphaned children in Myanmar and beyond. As the Foundation looks ahead to future screenings and campaigns, the California premiere is a testament to what can be achieved when storytelling, community engagement, and compassion intersect with purpose and action.

By marykyapfoundation

CORPORATE NEWS

September 26, 2024

#OrphanRelief Campaign Brings Urgent Aid to Typhoon Yagi Survivors in Taungoo

#OrphanRelief Campaign Brings Urgent Aid to Typhoon Yagi Survivors in Taungoo

In early September 2024, Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Myanmar, unleashing one of the worst natural disasters the country has faced in decades. The storm struck on September 9, bringing torrential rains and widespread flooding that devastated both urban centers and rural communities. Between September 10 and 13, Yagi’s remnants swept through the nation with relentless force, submerging crops and plantations, destroying homes, and displacing hundreds of thousands across 60 townships. The scale of destruction was catastrophic, leaving countless vulnerable children and families in dire need of emergency relief.

Responding with urgency and compassion, the Mary K Yap Foundation’s Orphanage Ambassador, Meme Lwin, and a committed team of in-country volunteers visited three heavily impacted orphanage homes in the Taungoo area. They hand-delivered food, medicine, and emergency donations, providing immediate support and comfort to children who had lost nearly everything. Their presence on the ground during such a critical time reinforced the Foundation’s promise to stand by orphaned communities when they need it most. This mission was a lifeline for those in need and a powerful reminder that no child is forgotten. The team’s dedication inspires hope and resilience in the hearts of the children and caregivers.

Thanks to the swift generosity of donors and the unwavering commitment of the Mary K Yap Foundation’s network of friends and partners, the OrphanRelief campaign raised over USD 3,200 within its first week. These funds played a pivotal role in our early response efforts. Beyond providing aid, the campaign has become a beacon of hope, showing that even in the face of immense hardship, compassion and unity can light the way forward.

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By admin

CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

March 29, 2024

H2OHope: Fresh Starts, Clean Water for Orphaned Lives

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:

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.
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.

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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.

By admin

CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

March 20, 2024

High School Diploma Program: Empowering Orphaned Students for a Brighter Future

Revamping the Mary K Yap Foundation’s H.S.Diploma Program: Empowering Orphaned Students for a Brighter Future

The Mary K Yap Foundation is proud to announce the retooling of our transformative H.S.Diploma is known as the High School Diploma program for Empowering Orphaned Students. The program provides innovative after school educational opportunities to every orphaned student from Grade 9 (age 14) to Grade 12 (age 17) in Myanmar. We have organized this program with our esteemed educational partners to address the critical challenges orphaned children face in accessing quality education.

Challenges Faced and Solutions Offered:

One of the critical challenges in Myanmar is the limited access to educational programs, especially for orphanage populations. This challenge represents a significant barrier to orphaned children’s academic and personal growth, limiting their prospects and opportunities. Our H.S.Diploma program offers comprehensive solutions to this shortfall, including financial assistance, proper guidance, training, and after-school tuition classes. These initiatives aim to mold orphaned students into better individuals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed academically and socially.

The H.S.Diploma Program gives children the guidance they need to navigate their high school years successfully. By providing increased accessibility to educational support, including after-school tuition classes and personalized advice, we aim to accelerate orphaned students’ academic and social advancement during their last four years of high school (Grades 9 to 12). This extra attention ensures they meet the requirements to graduate from high school and prepares them for the challenges of university education.

Grade 12 is a crucial milestone that opens doors to many opportunities. The Mary K Yap Foundation takes pride in providing comprehensive educational support so orphaned students can concentrate on their studies, excel in their exams, and confidently pursue higher education. Our commitment to success is reflected in our close partnership with participating orphanages, selected orphan students, and our dedicated Foundation team. Regular progress reports are available for sponsors and donors who wish to monitor student performance and track progress throughout the program.

Our Plan of Action:

- - Provide financial assistance for orphaned students to access quality education.
  - Offer guidance, training, and after-school tuition classes to support academic and personal development.
  - Collaborate with orphanages and educational partners to ensure the success of the H.S.Diploma Program.
  - Monitor and track students’ progress through regular progress reports and evaluations.
  - Empower orphaned students by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for academic success.
  - Advocate for increased accessibility to educational resources and infrastructure in orphanages across Myanmar.
  - Foster partnerships and collaborations with sponsors, donors, and stakeholders to expand our programs.
  - Continuously assess and improve the program to meet the evolving needs of orphanages.

We invite you to join us in this meaningful endeavor. If you know of an orphanage or an orphan student who could benefit from our H.S.Diploma Program, please email us at hello@marykyapfoundation.org. Together, we can empower orphaned students and pave the way for a brighter and more promising future.

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By admin

CORPORATE NEWS

February 14, 2024

The Nine Campaigns: A Unified Movement for Orphaned Children’s Futures

The Nine Campaigns: A Unified Movement for Orphaned Children’s Futures

February 14, 2024 – San Francisco, CA – The Nine Campaigns initiative was created with a clear and heartfelt purpose: to bring lasting hope and meaningful support to orphaned children through targeted, impactful programs. The initiative has been guided by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Focusing on strategic areas of need, Nine Campaigns seeks to bridge critical gaps and lay the foundation for brighter, more secure futures.

At the core of our mission are three educational campaigns—#Each1TeachOne, #H.S.Diploma, and #Road2Digital—which have been longstanding efforts to expand access to learning for vulnerable communities. These programs address educational disparities by equipping children with the essential knowledge and practical skills they need. Through mentorship, high school diploma support, and digital literacy programs, we aim to empower young minds with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and build independent, fulfilling lives.

Beyond education, our commitment extends into social development and nutrition. We proudly champion initiatives like #NourishHope and #TeddyBear4Hold, two campaigns designed to meet children’s emotional and physical needs. Through these efforts, we ensure that children feel loved, supported, and consistently nourished with healthy meals. By nurturing the body and the spirit, we foster a more profound sense of security, emotional well-being, and belonging for those who need it most. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to launch a new wave of campaigns that continue to expand our holistic support system. New initiatives include #H20Hope, which aims to provide access to clean drinking water; #FirstSeed, introducing sustainable gardens in orphanages; and #LifeLine, which is focused on increasing access to basic vaccinations. In addition, we are proud to introduce #OrphanRelief, a vital campaign dedicated to supporting orphanages during emergencies caused by natural disasters and other crises. By responding swiftly during hardship through our web of active volunteer networks, #OrphanRelief will help protect children’s safety and ensure their essential needs are met when they are most vulnerable.

Together, the Nine Campaigns form a unified movement dedicated to uplifting and protecting orphaned children across all dimensions of their lives. We strive to create lasting change and a future filled with hope through education, nourishment, emotional support, health services, and emergency relief. Every campaign is a testament to the belief that small, consistent efforts can lead to powerful, life-transforming outcomes for the children we serve.

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By admin

CORPORATE NEWS

April 25, 2023

Sponsor a 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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By admin

CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

April 25, 2023

#NourishHope: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time

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.

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.

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By admin

Contacts

Tag: Orphan support

Partners of Hope: United for All Orphans

Distinguished Guests Attend Private Screening of Charity Film at Mega Ace Cinema

Charity Film Campaign Takes Center Stage at St. Augustine Church Event

Charity Film Premieres in California at SVAPFF with Support from the Burmese American Community

#OrphanRelief Campaign Brings Urgent Aid to Typhoon Yagi Survivors in Taungoo

H2OHope: Fresh Starts, Clean Water for Orphaned Lives

Key Challenges and Solutions:

Our Plan of Action:

High School Diploma Program: Empowering Orphaned Students for a Brighter Future

Challenges Faced and Solutions Offered:

Our Plan of Action:

The Nine Campaigns: A Unified Movement for Orphaned Children’s Futures

Sponsor a Child Program

#NourishHope: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time

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PROJECT OFFICE:

PROGRAMS

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