Shwe Yaung Metta founder: ‘In the charity field, our foundation is still at a nascent stage’

By Admin 15 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
15 April 2023

The founder and chairman of the Sittwe-based charity Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation, U Min Htel War, was recently awarded a Doctorate of Humane Social Services (D.H.S.S.) by Emmaus International Theological University (Kalay Myanmar). He accepted the honorary doctorate at the university in Kale, Sagaing Region, on March 5.

Founded by 10 like-minded individuals on June 30, 2019, the Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation provides social services for individuals and local society at large.

U Min Htel War recently spoke to DMG about what being awarded the doctorate means to him, as well as discussing future plans for his charity.

DMG: How do you feel about being awarded a doctorate in humane social services?

U Min Htel War: I’m over the moon. My team and charity members are also glad.

DMG: Why did they award the doctorate to you?

U Min Htel War: They awarded it because of our work and humanity, for helping anyone regardless of race. They made a phone call to me last October, and interviewed me about the activities and undertakings of our charity, and its organisational structure. They told me that they have checked out the Facebook page of our charity, and that they have observed our activities. Then they told me that they would present me with the doctorate in November.

DMG: Does your charity plan to expand the social services it offers?

U Min Htel War: We mainly provide social services related to health, medical services, and funerals for people. Lately, we have also engaged in education a little. And we also have plans to engage in disaster response.

DMG: What is needed to strengthen social and charitable organisations in Arakan State?

U Min Htel War: In the field of philanthropy, our foundation is still at a nascent stage. There are many bigger charities in Arakan State. My view is that we should work together in a network to provide assistance to people in a more effective way. It would be best if we, charities, assist with humanity and a truly altruistic attitude.

We can provide social services only because people seek our help. We owe gratitude to them.

DMG: What do you want to tell people about your foundation?

U Min Htel War: We have plans to expand our social services in health and education for people. So, please call our foundation, and ask for our help. We founded the Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation because we want to help people. People can seek our help ’round the clock.

DMG: What else do you want to say?

U Min Htel War: I would like to thank the donors and members of the public who have shared values with us and are contributing to us. They make monthly contributions and donate cash and ambulances to us. We’ve been able to help people effectively because of their support. So, I am very grateful to them. I would like to thank all the philanthropists who are funding us from behind the scenes, and enable us to do social work.

DMG: Thank you!