Relentless Love and Revolution: Shin Chan’s Fight for Forgotten Souls
This is the third installment of a series of essays that our team leader has written about a recent donation trip that we undertook, where we allocated funds given so generously by our donors to support those in need across Myanmar. Dr. Chan Pyae Aung, also known as Shin Chan, left her academic career to establish an orphanage in Sadaung Township in 2018, fulfilling her lifelong dream of caring for orphans and abandoned elderly. Despite challenges from the pandemic and the 2021 military coup, she and her team persisted, relocating to a charity clinic provided by a compassionate monk. Rising costs and declining local donations have strained resources, but her dedication endures. Recently, donations, including food and supplies, were distributed to support the children and elderly. Shin Chan’s selflessness and the loving care of her staff create a haven for those in need.
One more thing I want to tell you about from the visit: I witnessed a beautiful preschool classroom and a playground under construction, donated and overseen by three monks. The preschoolers and younger children are taught on-site, from kindergarten through grade 2, in affiliation with a monastic school in Sagaing. For higher-grade students, such as those in grades 6, 7, and 8, they are sent to the monastic school. Scooping watered-down milk powder to the baby boy in her arms, the founder explained to me that, as she is committed to providing quality education, she has asked the headmistress of a private school to manage the school and oversee the educational team. For healthcare, they have also employed two recent graduates from Nurse College in Mandalay.
I learned that there are 91 children at this orphanage home, and all of them have been legally adopted by Sayarma Shin Chan. It is also inspiring to hear about her ongoing efforts and future goals for the education of the children, as well as the mental support she receives from Lay Kyaun Myay Sayadaw and other respected monks. She was very grateful to all the donors who contributed to this donation for the children during such challenging times. Her assistant mentioned their concern about whether they would be able to continue providing milk powder and supplements for the babies, as prices are rising rapidly. They can only afford to buy 2 or 3 boxes at a time, relying on small local contributions from friends, relatives, or lay sponsors of the Sayadaw.
For the first step of their collaborative efforts, they were able to purchase a plot of land at a relatively lower price in a suburb north of Sagaing from a monk. This land will be used to build a two-story building to accommodate the growing number of elderly residents, currently 58. The founder lives on-site with the elderly and visits the orphanage every morning and evening. Each time she visits, the children are happy to see her and greet her with "May May Gyi" (Grandma or Big Mom). And we witnessed it firsthand!
At the end of our conversation, the baby boy had fallen deeply asleep on Sayarma Shin Chan's shoulder. At last, he was able to sleep peacefully, as he was full.
This remarkable work continues to thrive despite the challenges, but the need is urgent. Rising costs for essential supplies like milk powder, food, and medicine, along with the construction of a new facility for the elderly, require immediate support. Your generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of these children and elderly residents! Please consider contributing to this vital cause and help ensure they receive the care and love they deserve.
