28May2025

Making a Difference ●Building Dreams ● Creating Impact ● Saving Lives

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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

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CORPORATE NEWS
January 8, 2020

Founder’s Message of Gratitude

January 8, 2020

Dear Friends, 

Happy New Year to everyone, and I hope that 2020 is off to a great start for you. 

Earlier last year, I am pleased to inform you of our foundation’s milestones, results, and achievements in which the Mary K. Yap Foundation entered a Memorandum of Understanding in the filmmaking process with Mandalay Productions LLC (MP) for their first-ever movie entitled “Myittar,” a charity film to combat the plight of orphan communities in Myanmar.  

Our organization has worked closely with Mandalay Productions for the shooting process over the past two years.   We sincerely appreciate our dear friends, Edward Thaung, George Rush, and Gabrial Jack, for providing valuable legal guidance to successfully bring foreign artists from Myanmar to the US on a 0-1 Visa.  After nearly three years of planning and preproduction, our film team commenced principal photography on February 17, 2019. Having a huge cast and production team in the United States is challenging. Multiple shooting sites brought Myanmar talents Htun Eindra Bo and Lumin to the United States for the first time on American soil.  Our US team, led by our Director, Graham Streeter, together with Alex Lebosq, Producer and AD, and camera team, Nicholas Burress visited Yangon to complete the Myanmar production in June 2019. 

We thanked Skyline College in San Bruno, California, which permitted us to the theater shooting sites. Thank you for the celebration at Skyline College and for believing in our charity film project.  Additionally, we could not have completed the second half of the production in Myanmar without the unwavering support of our Unit Director, Grace Swe Zin Htike. We are extremely grateful for Grace who facilitated site permit arrangements of B-Roll Myanmar’s culture at the Film Development Center studio in collaborations with the Myanmar Motional Picture Development Office.

We wrap up the year at three orphanages by sponsoring luncheons, desserts, and activity games with orphan children.  Our ambassador volunteers presented the children with one stuffed toy for each child as a present to hold on to at night, especially during the holiday.In the coming year, 2020, together with our partners and church communities, we are looking toward a more exciting year when we have completed our post-production of Myittar, slated at the beginning of 2nd half of 2021.

Yours Sincerely,

Mary K. Yap

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
January 4, 2020

Life is tough without Hope

No other Hollywood celebrity has captured the hearts and affections like Marilyn Monroe has done for decades.  Her stardom and popularity continued to glow even after she died in 1962.  

In 1999, the American Film Institute listed 100 Years …. 100 Stars.  Monroe ranked as the sixth greatest female screen legend. Yet, her story is no other than before her.  Marilyn was an orphan.  Her mother, Gladys Baker, had paranoid schizophrenia throughout her life.  She was mentally unstable and financially unable to care for her daughter, so she placed Norma Jeane Mortenson (Marilyn Monroe’s birth name) with foster parents, whom she lived with until she was 7.

There are scores of Hollywood films, one after another, starring Marilyn that brought fame and attention to the screen.  Among all her releases, the most famous film was “Some Like it Hot,” in which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Award category in 1960.  The film co-star Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and George Raft.  The comedy story was about two male musicians who witnessed a mob hit that led them to flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

Despite the many unfortunate events in Marilyn Monroe’s life ever since she was a little girl, from having an unable mother to marrying a couple of times to different men in her life, Monroe lived a beautiful life before her death on August 5, 1962. However, she didn’t let these unfortunate moments in her life stop her. Instead, she made it possible to be famous and well-known in her craft and delivered each film excellently.

 “Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about,” said Monroe.

Our board continues to provide hope and love to all underserved children in Myanmar, especially during this worldwide pandemic. Our goal remains to reach out to vulnerable children and integrate them well into their communities so that they can thrive, like how Marilyn Monroe was able to do when she was adopted into a foster care system at a young age. 

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
November 24, 2019

The Lady: Aung San Suu Kyi

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

– 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.

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.

“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

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. 

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CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
September 6, 2019

#Each1TeachOne for Orphans

Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s: Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You, Empowering Orphans through the Power of Language.

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Mary K. Yap Foundation believes that language is the primary source of communication. Therefore, learning the English language opens the door to many opportunities as this is the Universal language used by many. As part of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s ongoing efforts to transform the lives of orphaned children, we organize a year-run program that offers an “#Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You” course. This program provides teaching assistance to Myanmar disadvantaged children ages 10 – 16 that include Orphaned Children to study English at a young age, aiming to teach them the basics of the language and expose them to its usage and comprehension.

The “#Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You” program is a quarterly managed course, offering selected children the opportunity to learn basic English lessons. Our goal is for these children to progress and reach the intermediate level by the end of each program. The Mary K. Yap Foundation’s vision is for all orphans in Myanmar to become proficient in the English language, thereby improving their opportunities for academic success and future job prospects. Additionally, teaching English within the comfort of orphanages ensures accessibility and convenience for the children.

Learning English holds immense benefits for orphaned children. It enhances their chances of passing university college exams and opens up a multitude of job opportunities as they grow older. By equipping these children with English language skills early on, we empower them to navigate a globalized world and participate more fully in educational and professional opportunities.

In recent campaign news updates, the “#Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You” program has seen significant progress, with many participants showing improved language proficiency and confidence. The Foundation continues to work closely with orphanages and educational partners to ensure the success and sustainability of the program. Regular assessments and evaluations are conducted to track the children’s progress and adjust the curriculum as needed, ensuring optimal learning outcomes. Through the “#Each1TeachOne: ABCs English for You” program, Mary K. Yap Foundation remains committed to empowering orphaned children through language education and expanding their horizons for a brighter future.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 22, 2019

Hope By Any Means Necessary

Malcolm X began his childhood with an unforgettable traumatic experience when his ministerial father, Earl Little, was brutally murdered by the Black Legion on September 28, 1931, known to many as a racist terrorist organization.  Malcolm was only six years old when he lost his father. However, the situation worsened for the fatherless Malcolm when his single mother, Louise Little, was diagnosed with a mental illness. The ailing mother of 7 children registered at the mental institution where she needed to stay for 26 years.  

The day-to-day survival was a massive struggle for the Little family to meet end needs.  Since no one was to look after them, Malcolm and his siblings lived in various foster families under the government assistance program.  Malcolm did not finish school in the seventh grade and was sent to a juvenile home in the nearly all-white community of Mason, Michigan.  A few years after living with foster parents, Ella Collins, Malcolm’s half-sister, gained custody of the 15-years old Malcolm and moved to Boston in 1941.

As a youngster growing up as an orphan under his half-sister’s care, Malcolm works on every possible opportunity that comes his way. As a result, there were several odd jobs on railroads, restaurants, bars, shoeshine stands, and jewelry stores.

He even ran with the courts, including breaking, entering, and possessing firearms. Yet, despite all these misguided fortunes in Malcolm’s life, he made the best of his jail time by reading and devouring books at the prison library. Malcolm’s desire to read and learn as much as possible during his time in jail was his way of making up for the education he missed when he dropped out of high school. 

Malcolm’s ability to inspire Nation of Islan (NOI) members and nonmembers earned him the first minister to various temples, including the highest appointment as the Chief Minister of Harlem’s Temple 7, appointed by Elijah Muhammad, the founder of NOI, in 1961. Malcolm believes in the empowerment of black people. He thought black people should create their power, structure, and wealth and dismissed the then-dominant integration and racial acceptance ideas.   Malcolm also believed strongly in the notion of self-defense as an alternative to nonviolent resistance.  He was extremely vocal on certain subjects that he held dearly. 

As we commemorate the auspices of International Orphan Day, the Foundation would like to pay tribute to Malcolm X.  He grew up as an orphan and later became one of the prolific civil leaders of our times.  Despite the distressed and turbulent environment endured by Malcolm X, he didn’t stop pursuing his agendas and sharing knowledge with everyone. He lived by his words and integrity, one of the three Mary K. Yap Foundation’s core pillars. He didn’t let complications stop him from accomplishing his personal goals and motives. With his courage and determination, he has achieved all these things.

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CORPORATE NEWS
March 5, 2019

Movie Experience for Orphans

The program “Movie for Charity” net proceeds will benefit the Myanmar orphan community’s advancement.

As part of the Mary K. Yap Foundations’ extended effort to produce new and vibrant fundraising activities, Mary K. Yap Foundation is working on the “Movie for Charity” program, which is in partnership with Mandalay Productions LLC for the first-ever feature film. 

It gives our Board a tremendous appreciation to work closely with a creative film and video production company based in the US and Myanmar to deliver and produce unrivaled films based on their commitment to maintaining and providing the best international filmmaking practices. 

The “Myittar” film will blend well-known artists from Myanmar and individual Burmese American acting community stars.  Mandalay productions are the sole financial partner and the producer of the First Burmese and American feature film ever to be filmed in the United States and Myanmar (Burma).  Our Foundation takes enormous pride in promoting our worldwide non-profit initiative to promote the “Movie-for-Charity” project affiliated with Mandalay Productions LLC.  

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CORPORATE NEWS
March 2, 2019

Music for Charity for Orphans

As part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to transform the lives of Myanmar Orphans, Mary K. Yap Foundation organized and launched a “Music for Charity” fundraising campaign from 2001 until this day (pre-2020 pandemic), where the foundation offers a free show for everyone to enjoy. Mary K. Yap Foundation rents a theater and convention room yearly for the “Music for Charity” campaign.

The community of passionate volunteers and multiple entertainment contributors sing their favorite traditional Myanmar songs and dance along with them.

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.

 

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The Guests, donors, partners, volunteers, and family members enjoy the performances each year. These are all the efforts made by the staff, volunteers, and the community to help and transform the lives of Myanmar orphans. To show transparency in the donation amount collected, Mary K. Yap Foundation published a financial clearance containing the previous year’s money for everyone to know how much money had been collected and how much money had been donated to Myanmar Orphans.

The foundation desires to make awareness of the everyday need of Orphaned Children.  As more people become aware of the event, more donors and funds are available to achieve the foundation’s mission to empower Orphaned children throughout Myanmar. Mary K. Yap Foundation believes that a bit of effort goes a long way; thus, they encourage everybody to donate or volunteer their time to support the future generation of needy children. 

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CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
August 2, 2018

#H.S.Diploma Program for Orphans

Together with our educational partners, Mary K. Yap Foundation organized a H.S.Diploma: High School Diploma program for Orphans delivers innovative opportunities to every orphaned student from Grade 8 (age 14) to Grade 10 (age 16).

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This program commits to supporting financial assistance to academically inspired orphaned children. In addition, it aims to bring the best attention to those talented orphans going through their last three years of high school curriculum studies in Myanmar.

The H.S.Diploma extends children proper guidance, training, and after-school tuition classes, molding them into better individuals.  The increased accessibility to educational support will provide the opportunity to advance academically and socially during the last three high school years (Grades 8 to 10).  This extra attention will accelerate the requirements needed to keep up with their studies so that they have higher chances of graduating from High School

Grade 10th is the key to opening every opportunity. Mary K. Yap Foundation takes care of all educational support so that the children can concentrate on their studies, pass the exam and be ready to face the university.

The success of the “H.S.Diploma” program will depend on the close partnership between the participating orphanage, the selected orphan students, and the Foundation team. Regular progress reports to keep track of the student’s performances are also available for those participating sponsors and donors who would like to monitor the success.

Please email us at info@marykyapfoundation.org if you would like to recommend an orphanage or an orphan student who can benefit from the H.S.Diploma Program.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
February 24, 2018

Business Icon for the Ages

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 Our INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT series writeup looks at one of the most admired business executives and what he stood for that contributed to this masterful achievement.  No one could have expected an orphan infant, Steve Paul Jobs, who was adopted as a baby, to spearhead and lead a company that sold to more than 1.65 billion customers worldwide.

When Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco on February 24th, 1955, he became an orphan at an infant age due to his biological parents’ grinding decisions. He was subsequently raised in a stable, lower-middle-class adoptive family in Cupertino, California, in what is now known as Silicon Valley. Steve grew up in a setting conducive to developing an interest in computers. His adoptive father, Paul, was a machinist whom Steve called “a genius with his hands.” Steve’s adoptive parents were warm and loving, making him feel special. They promised the birth mother to send Steve to college, where he dropped out after one year to pursue other life passions.

“There’s some notion that because I was abandoned, I worked very hard so I could do well and make my parents wish they had me back or some such nonsense, but that’s ridiculous,” he insisted. “Knowing I was adopted may have made me feel more independent, but I have never felt abandoned. I’ve always felt special. My parents made me feel special. They were my parents 1,000%,” a response Steve Jobs shared about his adoption.

Our Foundation continues to look forward to working with our worldwide partners, our ambassadors, and our troop of dedicated volunteers to bring the best in the empowerment of our orphaned children’s communities in Myanmar. We learned from Steve Job’s orphan childhood that children cannot stop enjoying regular and purposeful life.   Orphan children can be loved and emotionally supported during their early years of development, even if the upbringing must be under the guidance of adoptive parents. 

Our board will continue to provide hope and love to all underserved children in Myanmar. Our goal remains to reach vulnerable children and integrate them well into their communities.   Steve Jobs had shown that he, too, could live everyday life and be emotionally secure and confident of his abilities even when he was adopted.

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CORPORATE NEWS
February 5, 2018

Our Aspiring Mission of Hope

Mary K. Yap Foundation operates by its core mission to transform the lives of Myanmar orphans to become independent and productive members of the community. The Foundation believes these orphaned children can prosper when given proper guidance and support. They deserve the undivided love and care from the people who believe in them and provide hope. We are humble to serve the interest of these disadvantageous children during the past twenty years.

Our aspiring organizational mission is to provide every orphan with the enduring hope that they, too, have equal access to quality educational programs and sufficient facilities and tools to aid them in a brighter future.

The Foundation engages in socially impacting activities that would help these orphaned children develop their skills in communicating and interacting with others and building their self-confidence. Thus, the Foundation ensures these orphaned children will be empowered and become reliable community citizens.

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