Tuesday, 24 March 2009
The Burma Orphanage Project!
Introducing the aptly named, ‘Burma Orphanage Project’!
To avoid confusion, it is a project! A project I want to undertake that will help a Burmese orphanage. One in particular, as there are a countless orphanages littering Burma and it would indeed be a monumental task to assist all! However I am not adversely hostile to the idea of expanding operations in the future, if it received positive results. I believe that any help or assistance you can give to someone who is disadvantaged is better than nothing!
I could have perhaps thought of something a little bit more sparky. Something that would catch the eye but I am not in the marketing business. The truth is that the Burmese Government, would loath to be affiliated with an orphanage, or even the word ‘orphanage!’ Many are forced to rename themselves or face closure. You will find many a ‘Child Development Centre’ or the like in Burma.
Basically - I want to get involved with helping the ‘Peniel Children Home' which is situated in Kalaymyo in northern Burma. The director, Zohmingthanga has made his need clear and when Dad and I visited we were able to give a small gift which fed the children for one month. The need for a new building and for regular sponsor for basic provisions like food is still essential.
I intend to run the Potter’s alf in July with Tom to raise money for the structure but I need help with the regular sponsor. If we could pool resources then we could make a positive impact. I know this is asking a lot in this time of economic uncertainty! But resources don’t necessarily need to be financial! We are blessed to have such a diverse family with many different skills and talents. If anyone has any ideas about how I can make this project effective and have a deep impact then please don’t hesitate.
If you do decide to provide a regular monthly sponsorship then remember it is investing in some one’s future! Like we have committed to saving in Tom’s Natwest saver scheme, we in effect are investing in our own future and there is nothing wrong with that, but £10 a month in Burma, cumulatively, could make a massive difference to someone else’s future!
This is all very much still on the drawing board. Thoughts and ideas welcome.
Here are some pictures of conditions...
Just under 30 children all live in this upstairs
This is the roof that lets in the water during the raining season, and causing floods downstairs.
The pretty basic toilets they all share!
The building from the outside!
And some of the children as we handed out fruit when we left!
I wish you could see the video of them singing to us when we first arrived. Of all the places we visited it was the one that moved me most. I don't believe that Dad's involvement through Shwekey was by chance. I think us Bettanys can help here!
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3 comments:
Sounds like a very worthy endeavour Lawrence! One question though, how will you provide the funds? I understand it's difficult to get money into Burma.
Well me and Dad looked into that,while we were in Kalay and the local head quarters for EFCM is not far and the President Jeremiah said that he has a contact in Singapore who has agents in Burma, so it is best giving finanical gifts through the church who will then relay it to the orphange!
Wow - what intrigue! It's like a spy story, I'll be happy to support the project if it involves agents smuggling funds across Asia! ;o)
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