Sustaining Hope: Supporting Yangon’s Nunnery Schools in Times of Crisis
In an earlier post, we described a recent visit by our team leader to some nunnery schools in Mingaldon Township, where he witnessed firsthand the vital role these institutions play in supporting low-income families by providing free education and shelter to vulnerable children. Nestled in the narrow lanes of Yangon’s industrial outskirts, these nunneries struggle with limited resources, relying on donations from local and international supporters. The Head Nun warmly welcomed him, sharing stories of perseverance, the organic garden they maintain for sustenance, and the increasing challenges brought on by Myanmar’s political crisis, which has led to a decline in local sponsorship. The nunneries continue to take in displaced children, including orphans like a young girl we met over lunch, who had been raised in the monastery since infancy. Despite the hardships, the dedication of these nuns and the generosity of foreign donors ensure that education and refuge remain available for those who need it most. Our team leader shares more about his visit here.
Although I have long been aware of the struggles faced by monastic and nunnery schools across the country—particularly in the conflict-ridden upper regions where fighting between the junta’s troops and resistance forces has escalated over the past four years—I must admit that I had never felt such deep sympathy for the nuns until now. Seeing their happiness firsthand as they received international support and hearing their gratitude expressed so sincerely made me truly grasp the weight of their hardships, which are no less severe than those endured by the lay community. As a parent myself, responsible for raising two children, I can deeply empathize with these compassionate nuns who take on the immense responsibility of feeding, sheltering, and educating dozens of young girls every day. Witnessing the generosity of donors from across the world was as moving for me as it was for the Head Nuns, because it was more than just material aid—it was a reminder that they are not alone in their struggle. I can only imagine how much strength and encouragement this support gives them to continue their noble mission.
At the same time, the Head Nuns of the nunneries we visited expressed appreciation that Better Burma helped her charity organization facilitate the funds coming into the country and make the donations happen. She mentioned to them, “Without Better Burma, we would not be able to donate to you this much!” How delightful is it to hear this!
This is why, these abbesses made wishes for all the well-wishers, the members of Better Burma who made the donations happen, and all the foreign donors who gave with this earmark, anyone who had a strong volition to help. She commented, “This act can also be conducted by the one who has an intention to help nuns. Without an intention or volition, he/she/they definitely won’t do it! These acts of service Dāna can also be done by the Buddhas and Ariyas (the Noble Ones), and the ones who have the same spirit to perform Paramis (the Perfections). Buddhas and the Noble Ones deeply praised this Veyyāvacca Dāna (offering of the service/time/efforts for another’s Dāna).”
Before we left the nunnery, one nun whispered to me, “Although we have not seen all your team members, we also invite your team who offered service to arrange these donations on the donors’ behalf, to come visit us soon, hopefully wishing for the country’s peace in the near future as well.” She also mentioned the same to the yogi accompanying us, “Sister. I would like to see you next year in person. And, please, pass my greetings and invitation to all other donors. I would like to see all of them next year, too. Let’s hope the best for the country’s peace, in the meantime.”
While the aid provided during this visit made a meaningful impact, the need remains overwhelming. These nunneries continue to shelter and educate children from displaced and low-income families, but their resources are stretched thin. The current political and economic situation has made local funding increasingly scarce, making international donations more crucial than ever. If you are able, please consider contributing to ensure that these schools can continue their vital work. Your generosity will not only sustain the nuns but also provide hope and opportunity to the children and communities who depend on them.
Let me conclude my letter for today and I will write to you about the donations to other nunneries on the following days.
Sādhu. Sādhu. Sādhu for all the merits that the MIA and international donors have done for all the vulnerable nunneries and laity communities relying on the former. Your donations did not only help the nuns but also helped the children and their low-income families as well as the volunteer teachers in the outskirts of Yangon, to relieve their stresses and continue their noble services.
Best regards with Metta!
