orphanages – Mary K Yap Foundation

Tag: orphanages

December 7, 2025

Bamboo E-Learning Centers

Bamboo stands out as a cost-effective, abundantly available, eco-friendly, and fast-to-build material.”

December 7, 2025 – Bago, Myanmar – The visit to the bamboo treatment facility in Bago was an eye-opening experience that expanded our understanding of how traditional materials, when combined with proper treatment and technical knowledge, can meet modern infrastructure needs. Seeing firsthand how bamboo and wood are treated to withstand insect damage, moisture, and environmental stress revealed the real possibility of extending the lifespan and usability of these materials far beyond common assumptions. This approach transforms bamboo from a temporary solution into a reliable construction material suitable for long-term, multi-purpose structures—an important consideration for community-based learning facilities.

For the Mary K Yap Foundation, this visit directly supports our ongoing planning for the orphanages we serve across Myanmar. The Foundation envisions the development of computer-aided E-Learning Centers within orphanage compounds—safe, functional spaces that can accommodate 15 to 20 students at a time. These centers are designed not only for digital learning but also for flexible use, including tutoring, skills training, and community education. The durability achieved through bamboo treatment makes it feasible to build structures that can evolve with the needs of the children and the communities they serve.

Prototype designs and built by Housing NOW

This initiative is a key component of the Foundation’s 10-year vision to establish 50 E-Learning Centers throughout Myanmar. Achieving this scale requires solutions that are both financially and environmentally sustainable. Bamboo stands out as a cost-effective, abundantly available, eco-friendly, and fast-to-build material, making it suited for wide deployment in rural and semi-urban areas. By incorporating bamboo into our construction strategy, we can significantly reduce costs while maintaining quality, allowing donor contributions to reach more children and communities over time.

Bamboo Treatment Testing Center

Borax-Boric Acid Treatment Tank

Bamboo Heat-Treatment Kilns

Bamboo offers a rare combination of strength, sustainability, and accessibility. When properly treated, it allows us to build learning spaces that are resilient, affordable, and deeply connected to local environments—exactly what orphanage communities need for long-term digital education.”

Dr. Jean Luc Kouyoumji

World Bamboo Congress Ambassador, Board Member of Mary K Yap Foundation

In line with this vision, the Foundation plans to work closely with local bamboo contractors and skilled craftsmen, supporting local livelihoods while ensuring that construction knowledge and ownership remain within the communities themselves. This collaborative approach not only strengthens community capacity but also promotes long-term sustainability, self-reliance, and locally driven development outcomes.

Proposed Build of Quantities for Bamboo Housing Unit (1x Unit)

This work is fully aligned with the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #Road2Digital campaign, which aims to promote inclusive digital learning opportunities for children living in orphanages. By integrating sustainable materials with digital infrastructure, the Foundation advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals championed by the Board, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach—building not just structures, but resilient pathways to education, opportunity, and a more sustainable future for Myanmar’s most vulnerable children.

Collection of photo collages

By admin

CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS

December 6, 2025

#OrphanRelief Completion

This return visit marked an important milestone—one year later—in ensuring that pledged support reached those most affected.”

December 6–7, 2025 – Taungoo, Myanmar – In early December 2025, we returned to Taungoo, a city approximately four hours from Yangon, to complete the final phase of emergency relief assistance following the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi in September 2024. The typhoon had a profound impact on vulnerable communities in the region, particularly orphaned and at-risk children whose daily routines, education, and living conditions were severely disrupted. This return visit marked an important milestone—one year later—in ensuring that pledged support reached those most affected.

The total contributions raised for Typhoon Yagi relief amounted to USD $3,100, made possible through the generosity of friends and family as part of the Foundation’s #OrphanRelief campaign. Of this amount, USD $800 was distributed immediately in 2024 to address urgent needs in the aftermath of the storm. The remaining USD $2,300 was carefully carried forward into 2025 and distributed during our return to Taungoo on December 6 and 7, ensuring continued support for recovery efforts as communities worked to rebuild stability and long-term resilience initiatives.

The Chidlren from Chit Myittar, Taungoo

The aftermath of the typhoon continued to affect children’s access to education and safe shelter well into 2025. At Chit Myittar Orphanage, flooding caused structural damage that forced 45 children to evacuate to a nearby temporary shelter, interrupting their schooling and daily routines for weeks. The damage to sleeping quarters and communal spaces underscored the vulnerability of these facilities to extreme weather events. Meanwhile, at the Sacred Heart Home, which houses 60 girls, floodwater destroyed sanitation facilities, including toilets, creating urgent health and hygiene challenges that required immediate attention.

Fr. William of St. Alosius Children’s Home

Khun Thoe Yu, Directorof Chit Myittar Orphanage

Sister Sanitina, St. Anthony Children’s Home

Broken Rice Cooker

New Rice Cooker being Purchased

Boys Transporting New Rice Cooker

During our visit, funds were distributed directly to three partner institutions in Taungoo, with the support and coordination of local leaders. We met with Khun Thoe Yu, Director of Chit Metta (Chit Myittar) Orphanage, who outlined the ongoing needs of displaced children; Father William, representing the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, which oversees St. Aloysius Children’s Boarding Home; and Sister Santina of St. Anthony Children’s Home, who continues to provide care and stability to children affected by the disaster. Each institution received support aligned with their most pressing post-typhoon recovery needs.

Reflecting on the impact of the assistance, Father William shared how the funds would provide tangible relief for the boarding home:

The support we received will allow us to replace a large rice cooker that was damaged during the flooding. This may seem simple, but it is essential for preparing daily meals for the children. We are deeply grateful for this continued support, even a year after the disaster.”

These moments reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement beyond immediate emergency response, highlighting the need for continued presence and commitment. They underscored our responsibility to remain involved even after initial relief efforts concluded. This approach ensures that recovery reaches the children who need it most—long after the headlines have faded.

Collection of photo collages

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By admin

CORPORATE NEWS

November 16, 2025

My Way to Sketch and Hope

The Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly kickoff its inaugural #SketchandHope program, part of our inspiring “Art Is My Voice” campaign for the underserved children.

On November 16, 2025, the Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly launched its first Sketch and Hope art program at the Galilee Foundation Church and Children’s Home for Orphan Youths in Shwe Pyi Thar, Myanmar—an inspiring milestone in our mission to empower orphaned children through education, creativity, and emotional development.

This inaugural program welcomed 38 children, who spent the day exploring drawing, painting, and imaginative expression under the guidance of distinguished instructors: Artist Than Thar, Artist Han Thar, and Artist May San.

Art is more than a creative activity—it is a powerful tool that helps orphaned and disadvantaged children build confidence, process emotions, and discover their inner strengths. Through color, shapes, and storytelling, children learn to communicate feelings they may not yet have the words to express. Creative exercises strengthen emotional resilience, improve focus, reduce stress, and encourage problem-solving and self-belief. During the program, many children proudly shared their artwork for the first time, demonstrating how an open, supportive environment can unlock courage, curiosity, and hope.

Children taking their first leap of faith in Sketch and Hope

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Saw Pyae Wa, Founder of the Children Development Center since 2015, for warmly welcoming our team. This marks our third community engagement with Pastor Saw, each one bringing renewed excitement and joy to the children under his care. Meme Lwin, our Orphanage Ambassador, expressed the significance of this return visit, sharing:

Every time we return, the children’s faces light up with recognition and comfort. It shows them that they are not forgotten—our presence reminds them that they are valued, supported, and deeply cherished.”

The Foundation is also deeply grateful to Mr. Christope Felix, a French philanthropist who has lived in Myanmar for more than three decades. His generosity and compassionate presence played a pivotal role in making this milestone possible. We also extend sincere thanks to our Intern Bethany Snyder from Pennsylvania, USA, who traveled to Myanmar with the heartfelt intention of encouraging and inspiring orphaned youth. Reflecting on her experience, Bethany shared,

“I’m getting the hang of this!”

Their smiles reminded me that creativity is a universal language—one that brings hope, healing, and connection no matter where we come from.”

Our appreciation further extends to our three dedicated artists, whose passion and guidance created a nurturing and memorable learning environment for every participant. Their commitment to using art as a bridge to confidence and imagination enriched the entire experience.

Artist Than Thar

Artist May San

Artist Han Thar

This initiative underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—promoting Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals. The generous funding that powers the Sketch and Hope initiatives is made possible through the cherished support of our friends, family members, and business partners, whose compassion enables the Foundation to respond swiftly to essential needs and expand educational access for children in care.

Welcoming the First Batch of Children from Gailleo home for Orphan Youths

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to establish a sustainable, ongoing Sketch and Hope learning program at the Galilee Foundation Church and Children’s Home for Orphan Youths, ensuring consistent access to meaningful art education for disadvantaged children. Together, we remain committed to nurturing creativity, unlocking potential, and building opportunities that can transform young lives for generations to come.

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By admin

CORPORATE NEWS

October 24, 2025

First Time Computer Learning

The Foundation proudly announces the first successful #Road2Digital alliance with Alpha Education Center

October 24, 2025 – San Francisco, CA, USA – The collaboration was made possible through the introduction of Monsieur Christophe Félix, a long-time French philanthropist residing in Myanmar, and his partner Valérie, both of whom share our commitment to expanding access to education.

Founded by Ms. Kim Hnam, a Chin national and Dagon University graduate, Alpha Education Center has provided care and education to underprivileged children for over a decade. Located in Twantay Township, about 50 kilometers from Yangon, the center houses and supports 18 children alongside Ms. Kim’s family, fostering a nurturing environment that encourages both academic and personal growth.

Through the Foundation’s Campaign 3 #Road2Digital initiative, the Foundation—together with KMD Computer Learning Center, a leader in computer education with over 30 years of experience—conducted a three-day basic computer course for 10 students aged 12–17, with participation from a headmaster and Pastor Daniel Van Lal Suan from Joyful Orphanage. Meme Lwin, the Foundation’s Volunteering Program Manager, stayed on-site throughout the program to ensure that lessons delivered by KMD’s professional instructors were accessible and easily followed by all participants.

First Day Computer Basic Lessons

Despite challenges such as heavy rains and intermittent power outages, the program successfully introduced essential digital skills, including MS Office, internet navigation, and email communication, inspiring confidence and curiosity in technology.

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Philip Charlesworth of the USAID-funded Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity (ACDI/VOCA), our B2B partner Mandalay Productions Myanmar, and Ms. Meme Lwin for their generous donations of laptops and air conditioners, which made the computer sessions both possible and comfortable for the children. We also extend special thanks to Mr. Jay Edwin, one of our dedicated Country Orphanage Ambassadors, for his support in issuing the Certificates of Achievement to students who successfully completed the three-day training course. These collective contributions play a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to empower orphanages with practical learning resources and greater digital access.

Commencement of First Day Computer Basic Lessons

One participating student reflected,

“Before this course, I was afraid of using a computer. Now, I feel confident, and it feels like my world is much bigger. I can see new opportunities for learning and for my future.”

This initiative underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable access to quality education. The generous funding that powers the #Road2Digital initiatives is made possible through the cherished support of our friends, family members, and business partners, whose compassion enables the Foundation to respond swiftly to essential needs and expand access to education for children in care.

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to establish a sustainable computer learning program at Alpha Education Center, ensuring continued access to digital education and empowering the next generation to share their knowledge within their local communities.

1ST DAY

2ND DAY

3RD DAY GRADUATION

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Tag: orphanages

Bamboo E-Learning Centers

Bamboo stands out as a cost-effective, abundantly available, eco-friendly, and fast-to-build material.”

Bamboo offers a rare combination of strength, sustainability, and accessibility. When properly treated, it allows us to build learning spaces that are resilient, affordable, and deeply connected to local environments—exactly what orphanage communities need for long-term digital education.”

#OrphanRelief Completion

This return visit marked an important milestone—one year later—in ensuring that pledged support reached those most affected.”

The support we received will allow us to replace a large rice cooker that was damaged during the flooding. This may seem simple, but it is essential for preparing daily meals for the children. We are deeply grateful for this continued support, even a year after the disaster.”

My Way to Sketch and Hope

**The Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly kickoff its inaugural #SketchandHope program, part of our inspiring “Art Is My Voice” campaign for the underserved children.**

Every time we return, the children’s faces light up with recognition and comfort. It shows them that they are not forgotten—our presence reminds them that they are valued, supported, and deeply cherished.”

Their smiles reminded me that creativity is a universal language—one that brings hope, healing, and connection no matter where we come from.”

First Time Computer Learning

The Foundation proudly announces the first successful #Road2Digital alliance with Alpha Education Center

2ND DAY

3RD DAY GRADUATION

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