Ball Toss Game Before a single project begins, before a plan is written or funds are distributed, something more foundational takes place: people come together. When a new village begins its partnership, the elected Village Development Team (VDT) gathers for a very important training, not just to learn roles and responsibilities, but to experience what [...]
On March 28th, at 12:50 Myanmar time, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, the deadliest seismic event in nearly a century. The earthquake resulted in widespread devastation, with estimates of 3,600 to 5,350 fatalities and over 11,000 injuries as well as over 55,000 homes destroyed in Myanmar. Many organizations rushed [...]
International Women's Month (AKA Women's History Month) Wrap Up! As International Women’s Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the strength, leadership, and determination of women across Shanta’s partner villages, and within our own team. This month, we heard from Khai, our Global Program Manager, and Janet, our Zambia Program Manager, whose voices remind [...]
Collecting Water In the hills of southern Shan State, Myanmar, the village of Nawng Ker Kei is home to 80 households from the Pa-O ethnic community. Like many rural villages in the region, families work hard each day to support themselves, yet opportunities remain limited. Nearly 87% of villagers rely on daily wage labor, often [...]
Ng'andu with his family Supporting Family and Building a Future: Ng’andu Mwiinga’s Story At just 25 years old, Ng’andu Mwiinga of Mpasu village has stepped into a role many would not choose so young. After the passing of his father, he became the primary support for his widowed mother and younger siblings, providing food, clothing, [...]
For Nang Win Kyi, childbirth was once filled with fear, uncertainty, and financial strain. Today, it tells a different story; one of preparation, partnership, and confidence made possible through community-led health education and shared responsibility. Nang Win Kyi is a 30-year-old mother of two from Myauk Hti Bwar Village. She and her husband [...]
Working Together Beyond financial support, these groups create a space for learning and connection. Women share ideas about health, livelihoods, leadership, and family well-being, often discussing topics that rarely have space elsewhere. Over time, these conversations help women grow in confidence and strengthen their ability to make decisions for themselves and their households. The ripple [...]
Witman Panel In December, Shanta’s Global Program Manager, Khai, was invited to participate with a team to teach a one-week intensive class at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. Joining Anna Taft, Executive Director of Tandana Foundation, and Madjalia Seynou, Executive Director of Farm Sahel, the team gave students an opportunity to learn concretely how [...]
Until just a few years ago, Nan Khan Raim never imagined herself sitting in a village meeting, let alone speaking up, managing funds, or helping guide major community projects. At 33, she juggles life as a farmer, a wife, and a mother of three in Ham Phoe Pay village. Her family grows corn, pigeon peas, [...]
Nestled in the quiet hills of Taunggyi Township, Ham Phoe Pay Village is home to about 500 people across 100 households. Life here revolves around the farming of corn, rice, and beans, as well as the production of mustard seed oil. While the village’s hardworking spirit is evident, education has long struggled to take root. [...]
Ball Toss Game Before a single project begins, before a plan is written or funds are distributed, something more foundational takes place: people come together. When a new village begins its partnership, the elected Village Development Team (VDT) gathers for a very important training, not just to learn roles and responsibilities, but to experience what [...] 
On March 28th, at 12:50 Myanmar time, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, the deadliest seismic event in nearly a century. The earthquake resulted in widespread devastation, with estimates of 3,600 to 5,350 fatalities and over 11,000 injuries as well as over 55,000 homes destroyed in Myanmar. Many organizations rushed [...] 
International Women's Month (AKA Women's History Month) Wrap Up! As International Women’s Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the strength, leadership, and determination of women across Shanta’s partner villages, and within our own team. This month, we heard from Khai, our Global Program Manager, and Janet, our Zambia Program Manager, whose voices remind [...] 
Collecting Water In the hills of southern Shan State, Myanmar, the village of Nawng Ker Kei is home to 80 households from the Pa-O ethnic community. Like many rural villages in the region, families work hard each day to support themselves, yet opportunities remain limited. Nearly 87% of villagers rely on daily wage labor, often [...] 
Ng'andu with his family Supporting Family and Building a Future: Ng’andu Mwiinga’s Story At just 25 years old, Ng’andu Mwiinga of Mpasu village has stepped into a role many would not choose so young. After the passing of his father, he became the primary support for his widowed mother and younger siblings, providing food, clothing, [...] 
For Nang Win Kyi, childbirth was once filled with fear, uncertainty, and financial strain. Today, it tells a different story; one of preparation, partnership, and confidence made possible through community-led health education and shared responsibility. Nang Win Kyi is a 30-year-old mother of two from Myauk Hti Bwar Village. She and her husband [...] 
Working Together Beyond financial support, these groups create a space for learning and connection. Women share ideas about health, livelihoods, leadership, and family well-being, often discussing topics that rarely have space elsewhere. Over time, these conversations help women grow in confidence and strengthen their ability to make decisions for themselves and their households. The ripple [...] 
Witman Panel In December, Shanta’s Global Program Manager, Khai, was invited to participate with a team to teach a one-week intensive class at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. Joining Anna Taft, Executive Director of Tandana Foundation, and Madjalia Seynou, Executive Director of Farm Sahel, the team gave students an opportunity to learn concretely how [...] 
Until just a few years ago, Nan Khan Raim never imagined herself sitting in a village meeting, let alone speaking up, managing funds, or helping guide major community projects. At 33, she juggles life as a farmer, a wife, and a mother of three in Ham Phoe Pay village. Her family grows corn, pigeon peas, [...] 
Nestled in the quiet hills of Taunggyi Township, Ham Phoe Pay Village is home to about 500 people across 100 households. Life here revolves around the farming of corn, rice, and beans, as well as the production of mustard seed oil. While the village’s hardworking spirit is evident, education has long struggled to take root. [...]