June 22nd-24th, 2013
Awaiting the final touches. Emily Sensei was given the task of choosing the final paint colors.
After leaving Thailand, I flew to Myanmar. The first stop was a visit to the town of Sittwe in the Rakhine state near the Bangladesh border. Accompanying me was Mr. U Than Aung, father of AHAN Myanmar Coordinator Nilar Than and a distinguished retired newspaper editor in his own right. Mr. Than is also the Principal of the AHAN Myanmar Learning Center in Yangon.
We traveled to Sittwe to check in on the Mahatini Buddhist Temple where AHAN has been rebuilding a dormitory facility for orphaned children living there. We were there to attend the opening ceremony of the new dormitory as most of the work had been completed. Only the outside railing and painting were left to be completed before the dormitory would be ready for use. It was quite a remarkable transformation from the condition of the structure before the restoration began.
About 150 local residents attended the ceremony led by leading monk Peniyasaraya. The new dormitory is expected to house about 30 orphaned children.
Celebration party for the opening
of the new dormitory.
Inside the new dormitory.
Lead Monk Peniyasaraya and interpreter Momota.
My Sittwe family!
AHAN donation for continuing restoration efforts.
Miss May, who has grown up in the temple since she was 2 years old, now cares for the younger children at the temple. With permission from the lead monk and with AHAN’s support, Miss May is now attending seamstress school.
A happy Miss May showing off pictures
of her from Homma Kancho.
With Mr U Than Aung from Yangon who served as guide, translator and coach for the Sittwe project.
Purchasing rice for donation to the orphanage.
This visit to Sittwe was one I will never forget. I made many new friends like Momota, Miss May, Saw Htin’s family and all of the children at the temple. Many thanks to everyone!
Reported by
Emily Busch
AHAN Nippon Kan Vice President
AHAN International Program Director