Empowering Kayah Communities: The Journey of KayahLi Phu Youth

Better Burma is pleased to be supporting the positive work of KayahLi Phu Youth. We continue our mission of working with trusted groups on the ground who are able to effectively serve their local communities. We are an overview of this organization here, and kindly ask supporters to consider a donation which can further aid their work.

KayahLi Phu Youth is a dynamic youth organization that has been making a positive impact since its founding by proactive young leaders in 1964. The organization's primary mission has been to promote literature and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Kayah community. The journey of KayahLi Phu Youth began to take shape in the mid-year of 2008-2009 when it initiated social initiatives by mobilizing young people in the Demoso and Hpruso townships. These early activities marked the organization's commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment. A significant turning point occurred on March 21, 2014, when Kayah Youth from Kayah State, Southern Shan State, and Htantapin township in Bago Division came together to organize a conference. This gathering was built in the shared vision of promoting Kayah literature, traditional culture, and sports activities. During this conference, attendees engaged in interactive discussions focused on preserving the literature, traditional culture, heritage, and identity of the Kayah community. As a result, the formal name of the organization was changed from Kayah National Youth to Kayah Li National Youth Committee.

Building on this momentum, the second Kayah Li National Youth Conference was successfully held from March 1 to 3, 2017, in Thay Su Le village of Demoso township. This event had been recorded the participation of an impressive 3,000 youths from different regions. During this conference, the organization underwent another transformation, leading to its present name, KayahLi Phu Youth. It also involved the re-election of the Kayah Li Phu Youth Central Committee and the development of policies, future plans, and collaboration strategies with civil societies and other ethnic groups. Currently, KayahLi Phu Youth are comprised with 19 central committee members, along with dedicated township committee members and volunteers who actively assist IDPs in Karenni State. The organization's membership spans seven different regions, including Karenni State, Southern Shan, and Htantapin (Bago Division).

In the wake of the turmoil that collapsed the country following the coup on February 1, 2021, Karenni State emerged as one of the most conflict-affected areas, with ongoing fighting. In response, KayahLi Phu Youth has redoubled its commitment to providing crucial support to IDP populations. This includes addressing immediate needs such as food, temporary education programs for school-aged children, and other emergency assistance. KayahLi Phu Youth's enduring dedication to community welfare and its adaptability in the face of evolving challenges make it a significant force for positive change in the region.