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: philanthropy

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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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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHTS

Save the Children Ambassador

An electrifying Cuban singer is bringing positive change.”

Born in Cojímar, Cuba, Camila Cabello immigrated to the United States with her mother at a young age, bringing with her the dreams and determination that would one day shape her into an international pop sensation. Rising to fame as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony and later launching a successful solo career, Cabello quickly became known not only for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, but also for her commitment to using her platform for meaningful change. Her journey from a young immigrant with limited resources to a global music icon is a story of courage, ambition, and heart.

“Camila Cabello surrounded by youths at Yes We Can Foundation.”

Throughout her career, Camila has made it a point to stay grounded in her roots and advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. She has been a vocal supporter of immigrant rights and has spoken publicly about her own family’s struggles in pursuit of a better life. In 2018, she partnered with Save the Children, an organization focused on improving the lives of children across the globe, to help raise awareness and resources for children facing poverty, violence, and displacement. That same year, she also launched the “Healing Justice Project,” which provides mental health resources for youth activists. Her actions show a strong alignment between her personal values and her philanthropic commitments.

# Camila’s dedication to youth empowerment resonates strongly with the mission of the Mary K. Yap Foundation. Like our work with orphaned and disadvantaged children, Camila’s efforts highlight the importance of nurturing emotional well-being, creating access to education, and empowering young people to believe in their worth. Whether she’s supporting humanitarian causes or amplifying messages of self-love and resilience through her music, Camila exemplifies what it means to give back with purpose and compassion.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation is proud to feature Camila Cabello in our Individual Spotlight series, celebrating her unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities. Her voice—both as an artist and as an advocate—continues to inspire a generation to act with empathy and conviction. As we work to transform the lives of orphaned children through care, opportunity, and empowerment, we find in Camila’s journey a kindred spirit who reminds us all that change begins when we choose to care deeply and act boldly.

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CORPORATE NEWS

A Tribute to Edward Thaung

The Board of Directors of the Mary K Yap Foundation would like to extend our tribute to our beloved Fellow Board and Company Secretary, Edward Thaung, who passed away at the age of 73 on August 7, 2021, in Yangon, Myanmar.

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Edward Thaung was a devoted Roman Catholic who stood by his religious convictions in supporting those in need.  He was always available to lend his ears and share his valuable insights and experience with anyone who asked for help.   As a faithful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and mentor to many start-up companies, Edward Thaung touched many people with his candid personality, storytelling talents, and five decades of knowledge of the country’s regulatory and commerical affairs.

Board Member Edward Thaung (late)

During his professional career, Edward Thaung counseled and advised many local and foreign companies on such diverse matters as company formation, taxation, investment proposals, criminal law, family law, international contracts, and dispute resolutions.   His early years of legal work included serving as a Town Law Officer, Grade (4) Public prosecutor, and Pre-trial Legal Advisor to the police department, revenue, customs department, immigration, and other government departments.  Among his notable contributions was his time as Senior Law Officer at the Attorney General’s Office (1989-1993) in coordination with other government bodies to successfully host the Rights of the Child Seminar in cooperation with UNICEF in Yangon.   He redrafted new laws in coordination with the relevant Government departmental personnel and translated Myanmar legal statutes into English.   

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From 1993 to 1995, he was the Assistant Director for Environmental Affairs ‘Office’ and attended the United Nations Environmental Program UNEP Seminar as National Ozone Officer for Myanmar.   For ten years, he held the Secretary to the Board of Directors position at Air Mandalay Limited from 1996 to 2006.  He was responsible for company compliance with the relevant laws of Myanmar as the chief legal consultant to Petronas, World Trade Center Yangon, Awba Group, and Mandalay Productions, to name a few. In addition, he was appointed as visiting university law lecturer in 1996 to teach commercial law subjects in Master of Business Administration (MBA) classes in Yangon sponsored by the Institute of Economics, Yangon.  For the past three years before his death, he served as the Chief Regulatory Officer for the KMA Group of Companies.  

The work contributed by Edward Thaung was done with the utmost integrity and professionalism on behalf of the public and private organizations he served.    Despite his busy schedule, he always found the time to give a hand to worthy organizations and individuals.   Over the three years that Edward Thaung represented our Foundation board, we benefited from his legal advice and developed our sponsored programs in Myanmar in full legal compliance.  

Our goal has always been to become a trusted partner to our donor community so that charitable funds make it to the orphanages that need the most help.   With the help of Edward Thaung, we have become a trusted partner with local communities, positioning our organization to serve all orphanages in the country. So much of the success of our empowerment programs working with Myanmar orphans would not have been possible without the dedicated and faithful help of Edward Thaung.  His passing represents a great loss to our organization and Myanmar.