“Shanta” is the combination of Burmese and Hindi words meaning “abundance” and “peace,” two beautiful concepts that describe Shanta’s objectives. Those two words also remind us of a chance encounter in 2004 between a Burmese tour guide and two American backpackers, an encounter that initiated a chain of events that would ultimately transform the lives of over 18,000 villagers in rural Myanmar. Those backpackers were our founders, Mike and Tricia Karpfen. When they visited the remote villages of the Pa’O ethnic tribes, they found resilient communities facing severe hardships, including limited access to clean water, inadequate schools, and a lack of healthcare providers. They began to ask themselves, “what would abundance and peace look like in these remote villages?
Despite their struggles, the Pa’O people impressed Mike, Tricia, and their guide, Thar Nge, with their pride and resourcefulness. Moved by their compassion, Mike and Tricia returned to the U.S. to co-found Shanta Foundation, promising to raise funds for a school in Yim Bya.
Upon their return two years later, villagers had already begun building the foundation, demonstrating their initiative and capacity for self-reliance. Through the process of building the school, Mike and Tricia realized the need for a longer commitment and innovative strategies. They expanded their focus to include healthcare and infrastructure improvements, recognizing that without these essentials, children could not attend school.
In 2008, Shanta launched its first health clinic, hiring Dr. Khaing Zar Oo (Nge Nge) as a translator. Due to her passion for development work, she quickly became the mobile clinic’s medical officer. Together with Thar Nge, they co-founded Shanta’s sister nonprofit, “Muditar,” embodying the principle of empathetic joyfulness. Over three years, Thar Nge and Nge Nge grew Muditar, establishing new village partnerships and expanding programs. Meanwhile, Mike and Tricia led fundraising from Colorado, visiting regularly to support and evaluate initiatives.
Fifteen years later, this collaboration has expanded to Africa and resulted in transformative opportunities for thousands of villagers, with programs that continue to reach more communities each year.
“The true benefit begins after our efforts yield results. Sustainability is key; we partner with villages for six years to ensure they have funding, inclusive leadership, and a cohesive community working towards improvement.” – Nge Nge
“The changes I’ve seen are inspiring. Our work isn’t just about isolated achievements; it elevates the entire community’s quality of life and opportunities.” – Tricia
