Chairman’s Vision for 2026
My vision remains focused on addressing the evolving needs of orphanages with dignity, sustainability, and measurable impact.”
As Chairman of the Mary K. Yap Foundation, I reflect on 2025 as a year where impact became clearly visible through our collective efforts. Following the December 2024 charity movie launch that brought a first-ever cinema experience to over 1,300 children, mostly orphaned youths, we began to observe positive behavioral and emotional changes during our follow-up visits across the first five months of 2025. The children demonstrated increased confidence, social engagement, and joy—clear signs that moments of inclusion and care can create lasting transformation. These observations reaffirmed our conviction that thoughtfully designed experiences play an important role in supporting a child’s emotional and social development.
Young Courage that inspire Hope #1
Young Courage that inspire Hope #2
Young Courage that inspire Hope #3
Throughout 2025, we remained actively engaged in delivering programs that uplifted and empowered children. The successful launches of #SketchandHope and #MelodyofJoy, two of our new social development programs, provided safe platforms for orphaned children to express themselves through art, music, and movement while advancing creativity and self-confidence among themselves. During this same period, we returned to Taungoo, where our Executive Director and our in-country Program Management Team securely and transparently concluded the distribution of remaining funds to affected orphanages from the 2024 Typhoon Yagi Orphan Relief donations.
#SketchandHope Builds Confidence and Creativity
#SketchandHope Sparks Boldness and Determination
A defining achievement of 2025 was the launch of our educational and health development initiatives, #Road2Digital and #H2OHope. Through #H2OHope, we delivered clean drinking water to 85 children and members of the surrounding community by installing a water treatment and filtration system within the orphanage compound, directly improving daily health and hygiene. Equally significant was the first commencement ceremony under #Road2Digital, where 11 students received certificates after their first experience learning on desktop computers. These milestones reflect our commitment to long-term development and were made possible through the dedication of our Partners of Hope business partners. I could not be prouder of the work than to honor the trust placed in us by our donors and partners in carrying out these life-enriching programs, especially in times of pressing need for improvements within orphanage communities.
First Road2Digital Cohort from Alpha Educational Center with KMD Instructors.
Marking the Successful Commencement of the First H2OHope Initiative for Safe Drinking Water on December 13, 2025
Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities are both clear and urgent. We are committed to expanding #H2OHope and #Road2Digital in response to growing needs on the ground. At present, three orphanages require immediate intervention for clean drinking water systems, while four orphanages have formally requested after-school educational support. To meet these needs, we aim to establish E-Learning Centers within orphanage compounds, creating safe and structured environments where children can build digital skills and access meaningful learning opportunities.
The progress achieved over the past two decades is possible when compassion is guided by accountability and sustained partnership. As Chairman, my vision remains focused on addressing the evolving needs of orphanages with dignity, sustainability, and measurable impact. Our responsibilities continue to grow, and with them our commitment to serve with integrity. I extend my sincere gratitude to our donors, partners, and local teams, and I invite continued collaboration as we work together to strengthen communities and build brighter futures for the children we serve.
With respect and gratitude,
Dr. John Palmer
Chairman
Mary K. Yap Foundation
