Celebrate My Day by Supporting Our Cause!
“In a world where we may have limited power to change any bad things happening around us, there is always something we can do. I believe in the power of one, a small dose of kindness and strength amidst the chaotic and brutal world that we live in.
I recently turned 34. You may have heard in the news about the military coup in my country, Myanmar, and the horrible stories of the aftermath. Many of my friends inside the country are now either in jail, in the jungle or in the grave. Many people including myself have been forced to leave home. Our lives, hopes and dreams have been shattered as if we don’t matter!
When I woke up on my birthday morning, I felt a strong sense of gratitude for the fact that I am still alive, and safe, and able to celebrate my birthday with my family (who recently had to flee home themselves) and other loved ones around me. Meanwhile, inside Myanmar a deadly flood has brought yet more suffering to my country. When death and detention becomes the daily information of your life, you become more grateful for every single moment you can still breathe.
I want my 34th Birthday to be meaningful. I want to contribute to those back at home. I want to do something within my power. I don’t have much money to share as I struggle with life in exile, but what I do have is an incredible network of friends and colleagues.
If you are reading this, you are somehow involved in Myanmar, or you have known me at some point in your life. So, I would like to welcome you to join me in raising money for causes I know can make a difference. Even 1 USD from you can support a lot of people in Myanmar! Please join me in this fundraising, either by donating or sharing the information within your network.
I want you to believe in the power of one, and the power of collective effort! You can donate through Better Burma’s link and label it as #Thiri_Birthday, or write them here with that intention. Thank you!”
“I am aiming to deliver funds to three places. All of these causes are small, impactful initiatives run by people I know personally. They are places where I know donations will reach the right people and be used in a way that can have the power to change.”
Food and care package for Prisoners
This is a group that delivers food and medical packages to people in prison. As of my birthday, AAPP reports that over 20,953 political prisoners are in jail. In Myanmar, prisoners rely on their families to supply food and medicine in order to survive. Due to the free-falling economy since the coup, many families could not afford to travel or send supplies for their loved ones in jail especially if they are imprisoned in a distant town. Others have no one to visit them since their entire family has been arrested.
Karenni College of Social Science and Humanities
This is a college in a war zone set up by one of my oldest friends after she fled to the jungle to seek refuge from the military crackdown. The college is a vital resource supporting those displaced by war in an area where people have no access to education. The classrooms are sometimes under bamboo shacks or in bunkers in an area prone to airstrikes.
MyaYar Knowledge Tree
This initiative supplies food for people based in Dawei, where my family comes from. When I spoke with my friend who started the initiative, she told me about the food scarcity in the area. I was shocked to hear that due to roadblocks and displacement of farmers caused by conflict even common vegetables cannot be bought unless people grow them themselves.
It can be overwhelming when you see how many people need support in Myanmar. If you have been wanting to help but didn’t know how to make a meaningful contribution, this is your chance.
Want to learn more about Thiri? Listen to her past podcast conversations: