12Apr2026

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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: orphanchildren

December-2025-2
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Cinema with a Social Cause

At the Culture and Creative Industries Forum, Cinema with a Cause showcased the transformative power of storytelling when creativity is guided by purpose.

November 30, 2025 – Yangon, Myanmar – At the Culture and Creative Industries Forum, Cinema with a Cause showcased the transformative power of storytelling when creativity is guided by purpose. The session featured Mr. Peter K. Yap, Executive Director of the Mary K. Yap Foundation and Producer of the award-winning film Unbroken Ties, who took the stage to share a compelling success story of how cinema can serve as a bridge between art, compassion, and sustainable social impact.

“Time Out with the Executive Director Mr. Peter Yap”

Addressing an engaged and diverse audience, Mr. Yap illustrated how the Foundation supported a cinematic project that goes beyond entertainment—one that aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Through authentic storytelling rooted in empathy and human connection, Unbroken Ties demonstrated how creative works can raise awareness, inspire action, and generate meaningful outcomes for vulnerable communities, particularly orphan children experiencing the magic of cinema for the first time. His message resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring many to envision how their own creative pursuits could drive positive social change

#The Culture and Creative Industries Forum is a flagship initiative fully funded by the French Government and organized by the French Institute of Myanmar in collaboration with the French Embassy in Yangon. The program is designed to support and empower young Myanmar entrepreneurs across the creative sectors, including dance, music, singing, webtoon creation, digital media, and storytelling. By bringing together emerging talents and industry practitioners, the Forum provides a platform for creatives to share their success stories, exchange ideas, and explore pathways to sustainable growth within the creative economy.

The Nine Impactful Campaigns for Betterment of Orphaned Children 

Stories have the power to move hearts, but when they are created with compassion and responsibility, they can also change lives. I encourage every young creativity to align their talents with purpose and to use storytelling as a force for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” As Mr. Yap concluded in his remarks

In this collaborative and forward-looking environment, the work of the Mary K. Yap Foundation stood as a powerful example of responsible and impact-driven creativity. The Foundation’s support of a successful, socially conscious film encouraged young creatives in attendance to think beyond artistic expression alone—to consider how their work can contribute to the broader global agenda. 

Collection of Photos Collage

1. An Orphan Thoughts on Mother Day
COMMENTARIES

Orphans on Mother’s Day

A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”

– Cardinal Gaspard Mermillod (1824-1892) 

OEvery May, America celebrates and honors mothers on this special day by thanking them for all the love and sacrifices they’ve made. But sadly, this is not the case for children in every town and country in the world who have lost, been taken from, abandoned by, or sent away from their mothers.

An orphan may suffer long-term emotional problems due to their failure to resolve their sense of loss for their mother. The effects of trauma can include symptoms of depression, being more anxious and withdrawn, having more problems in school, and diminished academic performance than non-bereaved children. Some also have difficulty building relationships and have trust issues as they lack maternal support while beginning their life journey. Abandoned orphans will always be left with the question of if their mothers truly loved them.  These orphans feel incomplete without their mothers.

Celebrating Mother’s Day is not the same for everyone; for some orphans, it will remind them of their feelings when they lost their mother. Mothers generally support us through all our victories and hardships as we build our lives. Therefore, some orphans will feel envious of the children who can spend time with and be cared for by their mothers. Living and growing up without a mother to lean on, especially on the most challenging days, is not easy.

All we need is someone to hold on

Many orphans also live in poverty and cope with mental and emotional problems at an early age, in addition to the burden of losing their mother. Even though some still have their fathers and are considered “single orphans, ” the loss of the love and care that mothers bring is irreplaceable.

We just want to be held:  Orphanage Ambassador Shwe Zin Htaik with an orphaned boy

These orphans are vulnerable but hopefully will remain strong and determined to continue living and pursuing their dreams. Although these unprivileged children have no mother to celebrate Mother’s Day, they should still be surrounded by unconditional love from those who appreciate and care for them. Let this be an encouragement for us to be there for the underprivileged ones, the orphans, as we celebrate this Mother’s Day.