12Apr2026

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: #orphancare

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CORPORATE NEWS

#OrphanRelief for Agape Home

The Mary K. Yap Foundation is delighted to share our ongoing partnership with Agape Child Care Home”

Hlegu, Yangon, Myanmar – Agape Child Care Home is a respected organization that has been serving poor, vulnerable, and fatherless children for more than 25 years in Myanmar. Established with a mission to defend and uplift disadvantaged children, Agape Child Care Home has become a safer haven where love, care, and moral guidance are provided to those who need it most. Located in East Dagon Township, the home nurtures dozens of children who come from challenging family and social circumstances, ensuring they receive not only shelter and nutrition but also emotional and spiritual support that helps them rebuild their sense of belonging and confidence.

Children from Agape Child Care Home 

Our collaboration with Agape Child Care Home began in 2024 through the #FirstMovieExperience for Orphaned Children Initiative, one of the Foundation’s flagship programs designed to foster creativity, imagination, and social confidence among children from orphan care communities. During that event, Agape’s children were among the 23 orphanages, totaling more than 1,300 orphaned youths who experienced a day of joy and discovery through film — a project that continues to symbolize our commitment to using creative activities as tools for emotional growth and community building.

The relationship between the Foundation and Agape grew from that experience, forming a foundation of mutual trust and shared vision for empowering the next generation of orphans and vulnerable youth.

Earlier this year in May, the Executive Director of Agape Child Care Home, Mr. K.K. Kap, reached out to the Mary K. Yap Foundation in the midst of a serious emergency situation. The shelter that serves as both the boys’ dormitory and the main dining hall had suffered extensive damage caused by severe wind and heavy rainfall. The roof structure was nearly torn apart, leaving the children dangerously exposed to the elements during Myanmar’s rainy season. At that time, forty-five children were residing in the home — thirty-five boys and ten girls, of whom twenty-four were orphans. The living conditions quickly became unsafe, and the Agape team urgently appealed for immediate support to ensure the children’s health and security.

True to our mission of bringing hope, dignity, and protection to orphaned children, the Mary K. Yap Foundation responded immediately under our Campaign #9 #OrphanRelief Emergency Aid Program. This initiative was created to deliver rapid, practical relief to orphanages and childcare institutions during natural disasters, emergencies, or times of urgent need. The #OrphanRelief campaign was originally launched in September 2024, during the devastating Typhoon Yagi, when the Foundation mobilized emergency assistance to support orphanage communities affected by flooding and property damage. Since then, the campaign has evolved into one of our core humanitarian outreach programs, symbolizing resilience and unity in times of hardship.

Damaged Rooftop where the Children Sleeps

Damaged Floor from the Storm

The Emergency reconstruction work for Agape Child Care Home began on May 24, 2025, with the first phase focusing on replacing the shelter’s damaged rooftop and reinforcing the structure. Once the roof was secured, the project continued with the installation of new flooring, ensuring a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable living environment for the children. The work was successfully completed on June 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in restoring safety and normalcy to the home. The project site is located in Hlegu Township, approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Yangon, or about a 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic and route. The renovated shelter now provides a secure and dignified space for young, orphaned children, allowing them to dine, study, and sleep peacefully regardless of the weather conditions.

The Foundation generously covered the full cost of materials and labor for this crucial project, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to stand beside orphan care communities whenever they face urgent challenges. Through this impactful act of support, we not only repaired a damaged building but also helped rebuild confidence, safety, and a lasting sense of stability for the children who proudly call Agape their home.

Agape Home Children after the Completion of Rooftop Replacement

Reflecting on the impact of the Foundation’s support, Mr. K.K. Kap, Executive Director of Agape Child Care Home, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Your generous donation was such a great help for us, whereby the children are under secure and able to rest with no worry for the leaking roof and the muddy floor.”

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we believe that every child deserves safety, care, and the chance to dream without fear. Our work through the #OrphanReliefs Emergency Aid Program continues to provide hope and immediate assistance to orphanages in need across Myanmar, strengthening the social fabric that supports our nation’s most vulnerable youth. The generous funding that powers the #OrphanReliefs initiatives is made possible through the cherished support of our friends, family members, and business partners, whose compassion enables the Foundation to respond swiftly and effectively whenever disaster strikes.

We invite all caring individuals, organizations, and partners to join us in this journey. Your contributions and collaboration can help expand the reach of our #OrphanRelief initiatives, ensuring that no orphaned child is left without shelter, security, or hope. Together, we can continue to bring light and resilience to the lives of those who need it most.

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TESTIMONIES

In My Own Words by Teacher Cici

Somehow the miles between us don’t seem to mean as much, when special thoughts, wishes, and encouragements can help us keep in touch.”

Your Loving Teacher Cici

“A cart pulled by two moves smooth steadily and perfectly!  So I’ll begin my autobiography from the time I became a widow with six kids to feed, cloths, and educate.   To be able to make ends sure, I reigned from my school teacher’s job and gave English Language tuition to individuals so that my income would be double up. I never shared my difficulties with them (my kids) fearing that they’ll be upset.  I stood firm and took every burden alone. 

I never shared my difficulties with them (my kids) fearing that they’ll be upset.  I stood firm and took every burden alone.  After a day’s fatigue, I’m welcome to fling my whole self into God’s arms, worries anxieties, doubts, questions as well as praises and thanks giving I prayed hard and everything went according to plan.  All my troubles are small compared to the Lord’s infinite wisdom and power so I must admit that God was my one and only supporter to help me walk my tedious journey.  As times passed, my kids too were educated to be able to earn a living for themselves.

#God is great to live in comfort about the high house rents, my company chairman were I was teaching English Language to his staff.  He gave me a bonus and that was how I bought a house.  I trusted the Lord with all my heart and soul.  I’m now 88 years old, still hail and hearty, active and physically fit to continue my teaching.  My duty towards my kids are over, I have one unmarried daughter living with me at present.  I have 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.  I prayed and prayed to God to show me how I should serve for him.

Apart from my teaching with pay, I’m doing a charitable job by teaching 10 orphans.  I should say 1 or 3 are fatherless and some are motherless and can’t afford to educate or feed. I’m teaching them free of charge. They attend the State School. My English speaking course will be an addition to the studies for their future.

I have served God in many ways I taught the Sunday school kids. When mothers from the districts came to attend a bible study course, I gave them an English Language Course also for youths who was training to be vicars from various towns in Myanmar attending a religious seminar. I included my English Language course to sum up.  I’m ready to serve the Lord in any kind of situation fit for my age.

Teacher Cici

Dated June 20, 2017”

The Board of Directors of the M.K.Y Foundation would like to extend our tribute to our beloved Orphanage Ambassador, Teacher Cici Samuels, who passed away at the age of 96 on July 2, 2025 in Myanmar.

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TESTIMONIES

Reflections of Sister Rose Mary

My name is Sister Rose Mary. I am now assigned to the St. Francis Xavier Convent in Myitkyina, Kachin, in northern Myanmar.

#I have been serving the ministry little over 40 years.  I was previously assigned to the Myittamone Orphanage in Hwabi in 2015 when I received Mr. Peter K. Yap and his family at our orphanage home.  I’ve known the Mary K. Yap Foundation for seven years now. They are like a family to us. The organization continuously visits and checks on us, especially our children.

As an orphanage organization under the Roman Catholic Church of the Myanmar Diocese, our vision is to bring out the best in our children so they can grow under God’s care and have the necessary skill sets to take on future responsibilities to become reliable adults. We see these orphans as someone who can turn their futures better. We believe that their past shouldn’t be something that can affect their future. They are just like other children who need someone to depend on and someone who believes in them. 

We have been in contact with Mary K. Yap Foundation since 2015. We have done several impactful programs together. We are excited to see and develop joint programs with them whenever they visit our orphanage. We have also participated in the foundation’s “One Stuff Animal Project.” It is a yearly program that focuses on the social connection and development of the children.  

The tender love and Care project and their annual foundation Christmas celebration are held yearly. Together with the volunteers, the program aims to allow some time for the orphans to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season. The foundation organizes and prepares some entertainment, games, and food to share with. I love how happy the orphans were. The smiles on their faces are worth every moment. I know they feel loved and content in these times. 

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As a lead sister of the orphanage, these orphans are very close to my heart. I feel them every time. I also believe in them. I know they are worth more than their sad history. I know they can be successful one day because, just like the others, they are smart kids that’s why I am one of those people who believe in and support them all the way. I think these children should feel the love and care of someone who truly appreciates them. They are our future; they are worth more. 

Mary K. Yap Foundation is truly a blessing for every orphan. I want supporters and donors to know how much the organization appreciates the orphan community. They have a huge heart for these children. The company cares for the orphans like a family. I am one of the biggest foundation’s supporters. I am looking forward to every opportunity for their projects. I hope they can organize more events that the orphans will truly enjoy.

With God’s Love

Sister Rosemary”

Direct Translation by MF Staff, Shelly

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COMMENTARIES

Finding Strength on Father’s Day

Commentary: Finding Strength on Father’s Day By Serenitee Ayobamidele Yap

#As Father’s Day 2022 approached, I was reminded of the old saying, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” It’s a phrase many of us take to heart, often recalling the strength, wisdom, and silent sacrifices of the men who helped shape our lives. Traditionally, fathers are seen as protectors—pillars of strength who stand as heroes in their children’s eyes. For many, this special day in June is filled with heartfelt messages, backyard gatherings, and moments of gratitude. Yet, amid all the joy and celebration, there’s a silent population whose stories rarely make it to the surface—children without fathers.

It’s easy to forget how deep a father’s influence runs until it’s absent. For children growing up in loving homes, a father’s presence often sets the tone for discipline, moral compass, and emotional grounding. But for orphans—especially those who lost their fathers due to illness, war, poverty, or abandonment—Father’s Day can bring a wave of complex emotions. What does it feel like to have no memory of the man who was meant to protect you? To lack a role model who would have taught you how to stand tall in a world that often overlooks your pain? Orphaned children face this harsh reality every day. Without a father figure to look up to, many grow up feeling emotionally incomplete, carrying a void that no celebration can fill.

Fatherless Baby in Arms of our Foundation’s E.D. 2017′

These children are often left to navigate the world without the guidance that could have helped shape their values or ambitions. The absence of that foundational relationship can lead to challenges in building self-confidence, forming goals, and trusting others. It’s not just the loss of a parent—it’s the loss of direction, identity, and safety.

As the rest of the country celebrates Father’s Day with cards and cookouts, let it also be a day to remember those who grieve in silence. Let us honor the memory of fathers who are no longer with us by standing beside the children they left behind. These children may never have the chance to hand their father a card or thank him in person, but we, as a society, can step in with love, mentorship, and support. This Father’s Day, may we extend our compassion beyond our own families and recognize the orphaned children who deserve to be seen, heard, and uplifted—today and every day.

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