As one of the most beloved figures in Shanta Village Partners’ history, Po Ja’s compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his community shaped the very foundation of our work. In this remembrance, co-founders, Tricia and Mike Karpfen share reflections on Po Ja’s life and legacy: a legacy that continues to guide and inspire our mission today.
Po Ja
1943 – September 19, 2025
Yim Bya Village, Shan State, Myanmar
Po Ja will forever live in our hearts. His smile lit up the world for all who entered his home. His kindness, generosity, and concern for the well-being of his people were a major inspiration behind the founding of Shanta Foundation (now Shanta Village Partners). Po Ja welcomed everyone he met into his heart, and Mike and I were no exception.
Mike and I visited Po Ja and Me Jeune’s home on our very first trip to Yim Bya Village in Myanmar in 2004. Their home was filled with children, many of whom were not their own. They were second parents to any child in the village whose parents didn’t have enough food, were busy working in the evening, or had temporarily migrated elsewhere to find work. There were always hugs, rice, and even a bed for any child who came into their home.
Each evening of our week-long visit concluded with a large group of villagers gathered around their home fire, engaged in lively conversation. Po Ja and Me Jeune became our village “parents,” always looking out for us, feeding us, and helping us learn and understand Pa O culture and traditions. Po Ja intuitively understood what we were saying, even though we had no common language. We would gesture and use sign language, laughing and knowing we were communicating beyond words.
Yim Bya Village was a four-hour trek up the mountain from our in-country base town, and Po Ja was always there when it was time for us to make the climb. He guided us along the narrow pathways, brought small sweet oranges to quench our thirst, and made sure we rested along the way.
Po Ja was instrumental in establishing Shanta’s earliest village projects. He was so well respected throughout the region that he lent immediate credibility to our efforts. He quickly understood that we were there to help the community develop its own capacities. He encouraged and inspired the Yim Bya villagers to get involved in building their primary school, Shanta’s first project. He mentored Thar Nge, our first Myanmar staff member, helping him learn how to engage and motivate villagers and gain the confidence and trust of the community.
As an original member of our first village leadership team, Po Ja was always there to support others. When a younger man with no education shyly confessed that he didn’t know any math to help with the community loan fund, Po Ja leaned forward with his big smile and assured him that he would teach him how to do it.
As we expanded our work to nearby villages, Po Ja accompanied us everywhere. In those days, the only way to get from village to village was by foot, and he was always there to guide us and make introductions. In each new village, he was Shanta’s ambassador of kindness and inspiration. He shared the successes Yim Bya Village was experiencing and encouraged village headmen to work with us to improve their own communities. He was respected and trusted by all.
As Shanta’s work grew and we no longer centered our operations in Yim Bya, we continued to make the trek there on every trip to sit with Po Ja and Me Jeune, reminiscing about Shanta’s early days and basking in the quiet joy and loving care of their home.
Po Ja died in his home, asleep beside his wife, Me Jeune. His spirit will continue to enliven Shanta’s work. His energy is forever woven into the fabric of Shanta’s model. We are forever grateful for his enduring companionship.