In the crowded and muddy slums of Yangon, many families face the harsh realities of discrimination and poverty. Without identity documents, securing stable work is nearly impossible, trapping families in a cycle of hardship.
Through the Urban Poverty Alleviation Project, delivered in partnership with the Jesuits in Myanmar, over 1,000 people were supported last year through three pathways out of poverty: livelihoods, education and safe housing. The goal is to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of vulnerable families, meeting their immediate needs while helping them build resilience for the future. Thanks to your generosity, this support is reaching those who need it most.
Mon
“I will be able to expand my business and provide a better life for my family.”
Mon
For Mon, a 38 year old dried fish processor, every day is a struggle to make ends meet. Supporting her husband and three daughters, she carries the constant pressure of providing for her family.
“I am delighted for your support for us in this difficult time. With this microcredit loan, I will be able to expand my business and provide a better life for my family.”
Thanks to your generosity, Mon now has the opportunity to expand her small business, increase her income and build a more stable future for her family. Your support is helping women like her move towards dignity and independence.
Zaw
“When the electricity goes off, the battery only lasts about an hour, and we have to stop learning.”
Zaw
Alongside livelihood support, education offers another pathway to break the cycle of poverty. For Zaw, this opportunity is life changing. As a student at the Inigo Computer Centre, he is learning practical skills in Photoshop, illustration, advanced Excel and basic coding, opening doors to future employment. In a community where opportunities are limited, digital learning means his future is no longer limited by where he lives.
“We can learn comfortably… but when the electricity goes off, the battery only lasts about an hour, and we have to stop learning.”
Despite these challenges, Zaw remains committed to his studies, making the most of every opportunity to learn. With your support, students like him can continue building skills that connect them to opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Khaing
While education is opening doors for young people, safe housing is restoring dignity for families. For Khaing, a 28 year old mother of two, survival has meant carrying an overwhelming burden alone. After her husband disappeared at sea, she was left to care for her young children by taking in laundry from neighbours. Their home, damaged and unsafe, offered little protection, especially during heavy rains when water would leak through the roof.
“Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude… This home is more than wood and walls; it is a sacred gift of love.”
Thanks to your generosity, Khaing now has a safe place to call home. Your support has given her children security, rest and the chance to grow up in a more stable environment.
Together, these three areas of support are helping families not only survive, but build a more hopeful and stable future. With your continued support, even more families can find the same hope.
Find out more about the Urban Poverty Alleviation Project.
