CT Trust funded the Yone Taw 2 TCD Project run by GHNI (the total project cost was estimated to be about $64,000 USD). We funded the project for the final 3 years (GHNI had been working with the community for a few years before this with the support of other financial partners).
Background:
Yone Taw 2 is is a village in Myanmar made up of 60 households. The village struggled with clean water, poor nutrition, and limited income opportunities. Villagers, alongside TCD staff, have identified the following immediate goals to enhance quality of life and self-sustainability:
- Installation of affordable filtration systems
- Nutrition training
- Gardening projects
- Micro-enterprises for sustainable income
Village Road Renovation
This was the first major project undertaken by the village. In 2019-2020 over a period of months, the community made plans, acquired materials, and ultimately paved over 150 meters of road. A majority of the budget was raised locally, provided by community members and the local government. This improved transportation of goods in/out, made it safer to travel during monsoon, and helped children go to school more easily.
Electricity and Lighting
The TCD Committee successfully applied for electrical service from the local government. The village and the government authority agreed to share the cost. GHNI contributed a small amount to help the village reach their goal. The community has been waiting 70 years for electricity - at the end of 2024 electricity was supplied for the first time. Electrical service is now available at the household level in the entire village, allowing for refrigeration of food and increased business opportunities.
Microloan Programme
GHNI provided seed money to the TCD Committee to help community members start small enterprises. Thirty-five families received funds ($29-$87) to help them buy raw materials for their enterprises, primarily agricultural initiatives (betel nut plantations) or weaving traditional mats. Sixty percent who received a loan were able to repay the committee and continue running their businesses. These microloans increased the daily incomes of these families, helping them be able to pay for school fees and materials.
March 2024 update:
15 out of 25 microloan recipients have repaid their loans. Specifically:
- 8 out of 10 families with betel nut plantations have repaid.
- 7 out of 15 families in mat weaving businesses have repaid. There is a lack of buyers due to fewer travellers to the area recently (due to violence and security concerns).
There are many challenges including:
- Community conflict and lack of unity, including political differences.
- Security concerns and violence in the region. TCD staff are unable to visit the village.
- Unstable market: Inflation of the price of goods, fewer travelers/visitors, fewer buyers.
- Cyclones and bad weather damaging the plantations
Project Ended - December 2024
This programme was officially closed down in December 2024 due to the political situation in the community. The government is losing the civil war, the military is forcing conscription of males and females, young people are fleeing the country or joining the resistance forces. TCD staff were unable to continue visiting the programme due to security risks.
In spite of the challenges, there was some real progress made in the community.