Jeff and Laura Branson inspire me. Laura is a retired nurse and Jeff is a retired property caretaker. Once or twice a year we meet, and they want to hear detailed updates on what is happening in Zambia and Myanmar. They ask a lot of great questions, especially about our female empowerment programs and how [...]
"The seller has arrived! Dry noodles, cheroot cigars, eggplant, tea leaves!” Every two days, her voice is heard throughout the community. Ma Ei Khaing, an entrepreneurial young woman from Ye Ka Daw, harnessed her energy and started a mobile grocery as an added income for her family. Ma Ei Khaing has faced many personal struggles [...]
Shanta hosted 8 adventurous supporters on our Inaugural Zambian Insight Trip in September for 10 days, combining impactful time in our partner villages with tourism to some incredible sights, including Victoria Falls and South Luangwa safaris. We asked participants to share their thoughts on the trip, and here is what they said: You Guys Nailed [...]
Most community members, particularly women, in rural Myanmar villages lack adequate knowledge of family planning. A lack of effective child-care practices, difficulties obtaining healthcare services, too many children with insufficient space, and malnutrition all contribute to elevated morbidity and mortality among children, as well as an increased family burden to care for them. Nang Nu [...]
Despite unstable conditions, travel and trade restrictions, and runaway inflation, our Pig Farm Project has achieved significant success due to Shanta’s long-term village partnerships and emphasis on training. This success can also be attributed to the project's significant income generation and suitability to the local climate and culture. The villages’ strong leadership has enabled them [...]
Thadingyut Festival took place in Myanmar last week, bringing a sense of gratitude, unity, and celebration to a nation that has undergone tremendous turmoil in the past 3 years. The festival weaves together tradition, spirituality, and the warmth of family within the rich cultural fabric of Myanmar. Held in the seventh month around the full [...]
"Don't be afraid of the shadows. It only means there's a light nearby." - Amy Lee Sitting in the Dallas airport, just in from Zambia, I am anxiously waiting to board my flight home to Durango. Even though I am aching to see my wife and kids, I can’t stop reflecting on what I saw, heard, and felt in Siyowi, [...]
A Remembrance Shanta lost a pioneering member of our community this year. Co-founder and former executive director, Mike Karpfen, shared a touching tribute honoring Jeff Markel’s life and spirit. Jeff Markel stepped into my life at a very important juncture that not only changed the course of my life but also helped set Shanta Foundation [...]
• How long have you worked with Muditar? What was your first role? I have been employed at Muditar since December 2015, which means I have been there for seven years and eight months. My initial position at Muditar was as an infrastructure and community bank project officer. Later, I was promoted to Township Coordinator [...]
Lin Phon village is situated in Pin Laung Township, 29 kilometers from the nearest town. It has 56 homes with a population of 290 people of the Pao ethnic group. Farming is the village's primary source of revenue, and they raise corn, potatoes, and tomatoes. Poor families represent 49 of 56 households, or 87%. Lin [...]
Jeff and Laura Branson inspire me. Laura is a retired nurse and Jeff is a retired property caretaker. Once or twice a year we meet, and they want to hear detailed updates on what is happening in Zambia and Myanmar. They ask a lot of great questions, especially about our female empowerment programs and how [...] 
"The seller has arrived! Dry noodles, cheroot cigars, eggplant, tea leaves!” Every two days, her voice is heard throughout the community. Ma Ei Khaing, an entrepreneurial young woman from Ye Ka Daw, harnessed her energy and started a mobile grocery as an added income for her family. Ma Ei Khaing has faced many personal struggles [...] 
Shanta hosted 8 adventurous supporters on our Inaugural Zambian Insight Trip in September for 10 days, combining impactful time in our partner villages with tourism to some incredible sights, including Victoria Falls and South Luangwa safaris. We asked participants to share their thoughts on the trip, and here is what they said: You Guys Nailed [...] 
Most community members, particularly women, in rural Myanmar villages lack adequate knowledge of family planning. A lack of effective child-care practices, difficulties obtaining healthcare services, too many children with insufficient space, and malnutrition all contribute to elevated morbidity and mortality among children, as well as an increased family burden to care for them. Nang Nu [...] 
Despite unstable conditions, travel and trade restrictions, and runaway inflation, our Pig Farm Project has achieved significant success due to Shanta’s long-term village partnerships and emphasis on training. This success can also be attributed to the project's significant income generation and suitability to the local climate and culture. The villages’ strong leadership has enabled them [...] 
Thadingyut Festival took place in Myanmar last week, bringing a sense of gratitude, unity, and celebration to a nation that has undergone tremendous turmoil in the past 3 years. The festival weaves together tradition, spirituality, and the warmth of family within the rich cultural fabric of Myanmar. Held in the seventh month around the full [...] 
"Don't be afraid of the shadows. It only means there's a light nearby." - Amy Lee Sitting in the Dallas airport, just in from Zambia, I am anxiously waiting to board my flight home to Durango. Even though I am aching to see my wife and kids, I can’t stop reflecting on what I saw, heard, and felt in Siyowi, [...] 
A Remembrance Shanta lost a pioneering member of our community this year. Co-founder and former executive director, Mike Karpfen, shared a touching tribute honoring Jeff Markel’s life and spirit. Jeff Markel stepped into my life at a very important juncture that not only changed the course of my life but also helped set Shanta Foundation [...] 
• How long have you worked with Muditar? What was your first role? I have been employed at Muditar since December 2015, which means I have been there for seven years and eight months. My initial position at Muditar was as an infrastructure and community bank project officer. Later, I was promoted to Township Coordinator [...] 
Lin Phon village is situated in Pin Laung Township, 29 kilometers from the nearest town. It has 56 homes with a population of 290 people of the Pao ethnic group. Farming is the village's primary source of revenue, and they raise corn, potatoes, and tomatoes. Poor families represent 49 of 56 households, or 87%. Lin [...]