Myanmar people are recognized as being generous in giving money and other support to others, second to the United States. So how do we choose a charity that’s effective and not funding executive’s lavish conferences in the Bahamas?
In 2011 philosopher Peter Singer caused a storm when he questioned why you’d donate to charities like Make-A-Wish. In 2018 the US branch raised US$130.93 million granting critically ill children’s wishes. Supported by 11,000 volunteers and significant resources Make-A-Wish transformed San Francisco into Gotham City granting a wish from nine-year-old ‘BatBoy’ that had gained national attention.
How many homeless families could be fed had the resources been donated to Yangon’s Food Not Bombs?
Then there’s corruption. 7.5% of donations to impoverished nations end up in tax havens like Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.
What’s “effective altruism” asked Singer? How do we know our donations will have a high impact? 25% of people live below the poverty line in Myanmar, and COVID-19 has increased hardship.
So, throw your hands in the air and cry, how can I help?
Peter Singer’s Pick Of “Effective Altruism” Charities/NGO’s: The Life You Can Save, Assesses charities that appear to have maximum impact.
GiveWell, researches and highlights organization that have a demonstrated impact and cost-effectiveness programs.
Global Giving works with NGOs providing training and tools to be more effective and ensures transparency and accountability.
Here is a list of some of the NGOs that operate in Myanmar, to which donations can be made to assist them in their work:
Actionaid works with people displaced by ethnic tensions or fighting with a focus on developing women’s business, and supporting victims of domestic violence.
Association for Aid and Relief, (AAR Japan) supports of victims of landmines to improve their lives and vocational training school for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), BirdLife Myanmar works with 18 Local Conservation Groups.
Daw Khin Kyi Foundation founded by Aung San Suu Kyi to improve education, health and living standards of the poor. It operates 3 vocational training schools.
Days For Girls is working with girls in monasteries and orphanages providing access to women’s hygiene education.
Food Not Bombs Myanmar (FnB) is dedicated to nonviolent direct action, providing food and supplies to the victims of natural disasters and poverty.
Sa Ba Street Food Tours employs street food vendors to cook for the homeless in downtown Yangon.
Girl Determined runs leadership and personal empowerment programs for adolescent girls in 70+ communities throughout Myanmar providing access to education, health knowledge and personal development.
Japan Heart Operates a hospital providing low-cost health care that is free for children and works with visually impaired people.
Mary Chapman School for the Deaf operates a day and residential school in Yangon for students who are deaf.
Muslim Free Hospital provides free medical services to anyone who is considered unable to pay for health care.
Plan Bee trains 2,000 men and women as beekeepers in South Shan State providing equipment, ongoing training and business support.
The Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS) was established by the actor U Kyaw Thu and the film director U Thu Kha. It pays for the funerals of the homeless regardless of religion or ethnicity. Services include free ambulances and medical clinics in Yangon and disaster relief to communities affected by floods and cyclones.
The Tekkatho Foundation’s creates eLearning materials that are available at universities and community libraries.
