Myanmar
Samaritan's Purse began working in Myanmar in May 2008, providing emergency relief in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. Our projects primarily focus on rural communities in the hard-hit Irrawaddy Delta.
Note From the Field
Restoring Hope
From country director Chris Palusky
Last week I was able to go out into some of the villages around the town of Pyapon in southern Burma.
Samaritan’s Purse-Burma, has been implementing a micro-enterprise project working with vulnerable women for one year now. The ladies that we are working with have faced many challenges since a cyclone struck the country two years ago. Many of them lost their husbands, children, homes, livelihoods, and hope. Samaritan’s Purse was one of the first groups to work with local churches to provide emergency life materials such as clean water, medical kits, and shelters to these people immediate after the cyclone struck.
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This project goes beyond this initial response. It has helped give out small loans of $15-20 and train women how to start small businesses. These women are now making a living selling small products like basic foods such as rice, noodles, and fish paste. Some have started up small businesses to make clothing.
It was great to see how motivated these women were and all have paid back their loans and are ready for a second round of loans to increase the size of their businesses. They have been able to not only benefit from the initial relief goods needed to survive but also been able to partner with Samaritan’s Purse to build a sustainable income. Life and hope has been restored.
We pray that we can continue to expand the work with these women. We hope to not only see a financial transformation but also that our local church partner will now be able to proclaim the love of Christ to see a spiritual transformation to these people.
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PROJECTS
Women's Micro-Finance
Many women lack the capital needed to restart small businesses like convenience shops and vegetable stands. Samaritan's Purse is helping these women resume their livelihoods and create a secure source of income for their families. Staff visits the 200 women enrolled in the program each month to provide business training and encouragement.
School Construction
More than 4,000 schools were destroyed or damaged, and 1255 completely collapsed during Cyclone Nargis. Samaritan’s Purse is addressing this need by constructing and supplying desks, chairs, and blackboards to three schools in Pyapon. About 1,500 students will now be able to learn in a new school building. A fourth school in Pathein is currently under construction.
Water Security and Sanitation
Even though a year has passed since the cyclone, water and sanitation needs remain an urgent concern in the delta's remote villages. Samaritan's Purse rehabilitated ponds and installed water treatment systems immediately after the disaster. We are now expanding our efforts by constructing 20 borehole wells, five rain-collection water tanks, and 300 latrines in 20 villages in Bogale. Staff are also providing health and hygiene education to the more than 7,500 people who will benefit from this project.
Medical Clinic Construction
About 600 health facilities were destroyed or damaged during the cyclone. In response, Samaritan’s Purse is constructing a clinic in Pyapon, specifically equipped to address the needs of pregnant women. A midwife will provide routine check-ups to ensure that mothers do not have to travel long distances to receive proper care. The clinic will also provide basic medical care for the community, benefiting more than 6,000 families.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for our presentation to the Ministry of Social Welfare on our work and activities.
Please pray that our working agreement with the Myanmar government will be extended past April.
Stories from Myanmar
Transforming Lives
Women in Myanmar left impoverished by a cyclone are recovering thanks to a micro-enterprise program
A Path to the Future
A new footpath and bridge provide opportunities for isolated villages in Myanmar
Caring for Children
Samaritan’s Purse has provided training and emergency supplies to help care for children in Myanmar
