On the 27 of August this year, 20 of us packed our bags, bought our visas, and flew to Yangon, Myanmar. We were there for a short 3-4 day mission trip to bless the children from 3 orphanages with gifts and companionship, and to conduct church services. Here's what we found.
While Myanmar's dictatorial regime that lasted half a century has ended, its people continue to experience a severe economic and class divide, and lack of opportunities. Suffering under abject poverty, many Burmese abandoned their newborn and children at the doorsteps of orphanages, and even temples and churches, hoping that their children will find a better life there.
Unlike neighbouring countries where there are greater government and private support rendered to orphanages, orphanages in Myanmar are struggling with daily expenses; keeping the children housed, fed and educated. Living conditions are very bad. The orphanages were situated at the outskirts of the city. There are no fans to keep the children cool at night. Mosquito infestations are rampant. The children sleep on raised bed frames (with no mattress) and a thin 1cm mat. But this is nothing to contend about since even paying for their daily meals and education fees is an issue.
Government aid and financial support is limited and even non-existent for these orphanages. Esther and her husband Aung Din from Immanuel Shelter tells me that they have previously appealed to the Government for welfare funding. They have received only 1 month's worth of welfare funding from the very same Government. That leaves them with 11 months, which they have to source for funding from other private and/or overseas organisations.
But there are orphanages that have it worse. Thandar from Shalom Orphanage does not receive any Government welfare funding at all. Not even 1 month's worth of welfare funding.. Their appeal was turned down. These are just two orphanages out of the 17 orphanages under the care of Pastor Lian. There are many other orphanages in Myanmar who are struggling with paying the bills. Without support from the Government and limited aid from donors and organisations, the future of these children is bleak.
To pay the bills and keep these children fed and in school, many of these orphanage founders have to borrow money or buy food 'on credit' from their acquaintances and local businesses. Interest snowballs, and these orphanage founders found themselves in a pile of debt.
Pastor Patrick and Myanmar Vision International (MVI) partners with Pastor Lian, chairman of 17 Myanmar orphanages with more than 758 children under his care. MVI is a registered charity in Myanmar. The organisation champions Education (Monthly Financial Support), Medical support (and Nurse Aid Training for Employment) and Employment (Skills Training) to solve the orphan situation in Myanmar. MVI also sends donations (every dollar collected goes directly to the orphanages), and work with local institutions such as NUS, SMU, NTU, NP, Singapore Red Cross, etc by sending relief aid and teams to these orphanages.
Today, you can make a difference. S$35 is all it takes to keep one orphan in school and adequately fed for one month. Every dollar donated will have a significant impact. No handling costs will be incurred except for the (3% + US$0.30) credit card transactions from every donation made here on Generosity, Indiegogo. All monies raised will go directly to funding the monthly expenses of as many children from Immanuel Shelter and Shalom Orphanage as possible. Surplus monies will go to the children from the other 15 orphanages.
MVI led by Pastor Patrick will be the appointed organisation to help us get the donated funds across to the orphanages.
We are also assembling a team to head to the orphanages somewhere along the month of April 2016. Updates will be given to update everyone on how the children are doing.
Please know that this amount - which is by no means insignificant - will not solve the orphan situation. But it provides much needed financial aid to the struggling orphanages. Every cent counts, and you are making a difference as a human being, and in the Kingdom of God.
Let's help keep the hopes and dreams of the children alive.
