Education & Care for Myanmar Refugee Children

Hi friends,

Purpose? fundrising for Myanmar refugee children.

when? now till Sept 30th 2025

This is Banyae. A little background — as some of you know, I’m originally from Myanmar. Back home, birthdays are a bit different. Because of our Buddhist beliefs, we celebrate by giving instead of receiving — donating food, money, or other help for good karma. (Though, honestly, sometimes it feels like the donations don’t really reach the people who need them most — but that’s a story for another time ).

I’ve now been here in Canada for 11 years, resettled with my parents. If you’ve seen the YouTube video I shared here, I’ve lived and seen firsthand what life is like for those kids stuck in Thai-Myanmar border. That’s why this year, I want to give back. Every penny raised here (minus the 3% GoFundMe fee) will go directly to support Myanmar refugee and migrant children in Mae Sot, Thailand.

Why Mae Sot? Because that’s where I was when I first left Myanmar in 2006. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship through NGOs for refugee kids — and that completely changed my life. Instead of working in the fields, I got to go to school, earn a higher education, and later work with NGOs to help other refugees. It not only helped me, but my parents as well. That’s why I truly believe education for refugee children doesn’t just change one life — it lifts entire families.

The funds will go directly to a small school in Mae Sot that I’ve personally visited. Right now, they barely have proper classrooms, more kids keep arriving, and funding has been cut since the 2020 coup and recent U.S. aid cuts. I also have connections with the Mae Sot Education Project (the same people that sponsored me years ago) to make sure the money gets exactly where it’s needed most.

Anything helps — big or small. I’ll keep you posted on what the funds are used for once I get an update from Mary, who oversees the project’s funding.

From me, and on behalf of the kids we’ll be helping — thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

With gratitude,

Banyae