Myanmar, here we come!

September 23, 2014

I will soon be heading to Myanmar – some call it Burma – the second-largest country in Southeast Asia, where women of the ethnic minority tribe Kayan Lahwi are well known for wearing brass coil neck rings, appearing to lengthen their necks.

However, I am not going for vacation. Together with my co-workers from IKEA Hong Kong, we are going on an IWitness trip with Save the Children to Myanmar to witness how the IKEA Foundation is providing a better everyday life for children.

Myanmar, here we come! - by Flora Chan — Myanmar, here we come! – by Flora Chan

Myanmar’s population of over 50 million makes it the 40th largest country in the world. Despite Myanmar’s natural wealth in jade and gems, oil, natural gas and other mineral resources, it has a low level of human development – ranking 150 out of 187 countries – according to the Human Development Index as of 2013.

Officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar - commonly shortened to Myanma – is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand - by Flora Chan — Officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar – commonly shortened to Myanmar – is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand – by Flora Chan

Children in Myanmar face significant child rights violations with exploitation, such as discrimination, forced migration, trafficking, and underage recruitment into armed forces, issues that are experienced especially by minority children and youth. Children’s access to quality education, adequate healthcare and economic security is increasingly threatened.

Getting ready: Save the Children’s Hong Kong office gave us an introduction briefing including the information of Myanmar and the current children projects there - by Flora Chan — Getting ready: Save the Children’s Hong Kong office gave us an introduction briefing including information about Myanmar and the current children’s projects there – by Flora Chan

In the next few days, we will follow Save the Children Myanmar’s team to meet with different children’s groups and local child-protection groups from different project sites, plus the head office of Save the Children in Myanmar. I look forward to sharing this journey with as many co-workers and friends as I can. Stay tuned!

Ready, set, go! - by Flora Chan — Ready, set, go! – by Flora Chan

Written by

Flora Chan