"The Social Support Programme of Myanmar Sanghas"
As the Burmese military has continued its crazed rampage across the countryside, destroying everything they come in contact with, a coalition of monks and nuns in rural Sagaing have begun an innovative collective: "The Social Support Programme of Myanmar Sanghas". As described below, they are combining their collective energies by sharing needs as well as resources to support those vulnerable populations who need it most. Please take a moment to read the description of the projects they will undertake, and consider a donation to contribute to their good works, at a time when it is most needed.
Since Myanmar is a Buddhist-majority country, members of the Sangha have some influence, especially in the rural areas. Traditional norms and practices still continue, with deep respect and trust for local members of the Sangha in most villages, especially in the central plains of Myanmar.
Taking that opportunity, members of the Sangha are trying to implement a systematic programme. Towards these ends, we have started up a new response team we are calling the Social Support Programme of Myanmar Sanghas. Now, we are collecting donation to reach to local people who are in need. To date, more than (10,000) people from (2000) families have received supported. Supplies of foodstuffs (rice, cooking oil, peas, onion, garlic and fish paste), kitchenware and clothing are included for those who lost their houses and property because of fire. Also, donation are being made to nine monasteries with a shortage of food.
With generous support from local and international donors, a plan of reconstruction of temporary huts has been initiated in some damaged villages. The selection criteria includes families having old-aged persons and those who cannot afford to rebuild their house. To date, construction of (60) temporary shelters (huts with locally available materials) is in process in nine different villages.
Providing support to displaced people is the next level of aid. Many people from various places call members of Sangha for help.
The members of the Sangha and local people send their metta and best wishes to each and every one who helps them.