13Jul2025

Making a Difference Building Dreams Creating Impact Saving Lives

logotype

No products in the cart.

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: Social impact

Main image 10
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Charity in Action: Yangon Bazaar

Charity in Action: Yangon Bazaar Sparks Support for Orphaned Children

Yangon, Myanmar – The first annual Charity Bazaar, hosted by St. Augustine Catholic Church, was a vibrant, one-day event filled with compassion, community spirit, and a shared purpose. The Foundation participated with a dedicated booth, connecting with attendees and sharing our mission to uplift orphaned children across Myanmar through our social development programs. The atmosphere was lively and heartfelt, with visitors from diverse backgrounds coming together for a meaningful cause

During the event, the Foundation successfully recruited over 80 new volunteers who expressed genuine enthusiasm for lending their support to a noble cause. These passionate individuals are now part of a growing movement dedicated to supporting the advancement and well-being of orphaned children throughout Myanmar. In addition to volunteer sign-ups, we took the opportunity to proudly promote the upcoming charity film, Myittar, a heartfelt production sponsored by the Foundation in collaboration with our production partner, Mandalay Productions. The film was created to raise awareness and support for children in need.

The bazaar was also a rich gathering of like-minded exhibitors and community members. We engaged with other organizations promoting humanitarian initiatives and enjoyed the warm company of booth operators selling nourishing meals and traditional Burmese delicacies. The day not only strengthened our network of support but also deepened our resolve to build brighter futures for the children we serve.

Main imagee
CORPORATE NEWS

Leadership in Action: Dr. Kouyoumji

Leadership in Action: Dr. Kouyoumji at Ebenezer Compassion Association

Yangon, Myanmar – During March of this year, we welcomed Dr. Jean Luc Kouyoumji, one of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s  board members, on his first-ever visit to Myanmar. His journey led him to the Ebenezer Compassion Association, located in the remote and peaceful rural setting of Twantay Township, approximately 90 minutes from Yangon. More than just a site visit, this experience became a deeply emotional and eye-opening moment for everyone involved. Dr. Kouyoumji’s presence on the ground brought our mission full circle—from international leadership to local impact—and served as a heartfelt reminder of why our work matters.

The Ebenezer Compassion Association currently cares for around 55 children, each with a unique and often difficult background. Many come from far northern regions of Myanmar, while others are from impoverished nearby villages. Despite these challenges, the home stands as a symbol of safety, love, and new beginnings. The children here are given not only shelter, food, and clothing but also access to education, emotional support, and guidance—essentials that allow them to dream beyond their circumstances. In this quiet but powerful space, they are taught that their past does not define them and that with care and opportunity, their futures can be bright and full of promise.

Listening, Learning, and Leading Forward

#During his visit, Dr. Kouyoumji took time to personally connect with the children—sharing stories, asking questions, and listening intently to their hopes and struggles. His engagement wasn’t passive; he observed the living conditions closely and paid particular attention to two critical needs: access to clean drinking water and mental wellness support for the children and staff. These observations have directly fueled new energy behind our upcoming #H20Hope Clean Water Campaign in 2025, which will aim to bring lasting, life-saving solutions to the communities we serve. Dr. Kouyoumji’s empathetic approach left a powerful impression, reinforcing the idea that leadership grounded in humanity creates lasting change.

Dr. Kouyoumji’s visit is more than a milestone—it’s a statement of our shared commitment to empowering every child through resilience, care, and equal opportunity. His thoughtful presence reaffirmed our direction and gave the local team encouragement to continue their work with renewed purpose. We are incredibly grateful for his visionary leadership, deep compassion, and hands-on involvement. Together, we look forward to transforming insights from this visit into action—expanding the impact of our programs and touching even more lives. With champions like Dr. Kouyoumji beside us, we move forward with confidence, unity, and hope. See Video Highlights  #H20HOPE+

8) AUGUST 26 2024 CHARITY BIZZARE (2)
CORPORATE NEWS

The FirstSeed Campaign for Sustainability

Planting Hope: The #FirstSeed Campaign for Orphanage Sustainability

San Francisco, USA – The Foundation proudly announces Campaign 5: #FirstSeed, a powerful initiative designed to introduce sustainable gardening to selected orphanages across Myanmar. In a world where vulnerable children often rely entirely on outside aid, this campaign shifts the focus toward independence and resilience. By providing gardening tools, seeds, training, and ongoing support, the Foundation is enabling orphanages to take charge of their food systems. These gardens are more than just patches of green—they symbolize fresh beginnings, practical survival skills, and a deep-rooted sense of hope. In places where resources are often stretched, a well-planned garden becomes a lifeline that provides both nourishment and pride, day after day.

The heart of #FirstSeed lies not just in growing food but in growing people. These gardens act as outdoor learning spaces where children engage directly with nature and see the results of their hard work come to life. Instead of passive classroom lectures, they participate in planting, watering, composting, and harvesting—activities that require patience, care, and teamwork. Through this process, children develop a strong work ethic, learn to cooperate, and build emotional strength. Gardening teaches that setbacks are natural, that growth takes time, and that their efforts matter. It also introduces them to ideas of environmental care and nutrition, laying a strong foundation for healthier living. For many children, this may be the first time they feel real responsibility and ownership over something meaningful.

Local Support, Lasting Impact

#A major strength of the #FirstSeed campaign is its deep collaboration with local experts and community members. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the Foundation works with agricultural professionals and volunteers who understand the unique soil conditions, climate, and cultural practices of each region. This tailored guidance ensures that each orphanage receives exactly what it needs to succeed. Moreover, training is not limited to children; staff and caretakers also receive coaching, creating a shared environment of learning and growth. This strengthens the internal system of each orphanage, reducing dependency on external food supplies. By involving the surrounding community, the campaign fosters connections and collective ownership, turning each garden into a hub of support that can thrive beyond the Foundation’s direct involvement.

As the gardens begin to flourish, their impact becomes visible in more ways than one. Fresh vegetables and fruits directly enhance the daily meals of the children, boosting their nutrition and energy. Orphanages can reduce food-related costs, allowing more funds to be directed toward education, healthcare, or recreational needs. In some cases, surplus produce can be sold locally or donated, helping to build goodwill and generate small income streams. But the real harvest is the emotional and mental empowerment of the children—who begin to understand that they are capable, valuable, and connected to something bigger than themselves. Through #FirstSeed, the Foundation is not just planting crops—it is planting confidence, resilience, and the building blocks of a better future, one garden at a time.