Impact a Woman- Transform an Entire Village

Typically, women in rural Myanmar households manage the finances of their families. With an annual household income of approximately $700, little to no funds are available for emergency health care or other family needs. Through our women’s empowerment programs, each village forms female groups with members taking leadership roles. An example would be Shanta’s Self-Help [...]

Terrace Farming for the Win

Terrace cultivation isn’t a new way of farming in some areas around the world, but in rural Myanmar, this method is not common practice. It can be labor-intensive to install and harvest, but the ultimate goal is to reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and use water more efficiently. Shanta implemented a pilot program in [...]

Meet Francina

Francina Kobela is 55 years old and has two adult children, both women whose education stopped by grade 9. She is a true leader in her community, and upon her village, Nachili, partnering with Shanta in 2023, she was quickly elected a Village Development Team (VDT) member. She has never shied away from speaking up [...]

Historic Cholera Crisis Strikes Zambia; Shanta and VAP Respond

In the midst of the worst Cholera outbreak in Zambian history, Shanta Foundation and FLC’s Village Aid Project will launch an ambitious, three-year, water and sanitation infrastructure project that should reduce the risk of cholera in the Siyowi region outside Mazabuka.  Responding to the request of village development leaders, VAP and Shanta will travel to [...]

Preschool Leads to Brighter Futures

Parents in Hti Kan Laung village lack the education and resources to nurture their children as much as they would like to. Their primary focus is providing meals and emergency care when the children are unwell. Rural parents often struggle to earn enough and must take their children to work, affecting their health, delaying learning, [...]

Meet the Branson’s

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 [...]

Ma Ei Khaing’s Mobile Grocery

"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 [...]

Insight Trip Participant Reflections

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 [...]

Menstruation is Not a Bad Word

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 [...]

Pig Farming Continues to Thrive in Myanmar Villages

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 [...]