Charity homes in post-cyclone Arakan State struggle to survive

By Admin 16 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
16 June 2023, Sittwe

Buildings and classrooms of some orphanages in Arakan State were destroyed by Cyclone Mocha and financial assistance is needed to repair the damaged buildings, according to officials.

Orphanages are raising orphaned children and poor children from various townships in Arakan State, and are providing classroom and vocational education free of charge.

Two 2-storey buildings and four 1-storey structures at “Pyinnyardipa” Youth Development Charity Home in Rathedaung were destroyed by the cyclonic storm and damaged buildings cannot be repaired due to financial difficulties. There are about 100 children between the ages of 5 and 18 in the charity home, and they are currently living in overcrowded and dilapidated buildings.

“The children’s dormitory and everything was destroyed by the storm. Donors have donated some construction materials such as steel rods and timber, but the needs are so great that we cannot afford the costs, so we cannot repair the damaged buildings,” said Venerable Naryaka, in-charge of the charity home.

He said that if the damaged dormitory and classrooms were to be repaired, it would cost about K120 million at current prices.

Two dormitories at a youth development charity home in Apaukwa Village, Kyauktaw Township, upon which about 130 children currently depend, were destroyed by the storm, and the children are temporarily living in a monastery.

“Both dormitories were destroyed by the cyclonic storm, so children are currently taking shelter at the village monastery. If some of the funds in the charity home are used to repair the damaged buildings, there may be concerns about the children’s food costs and education,” said U Maung Hla Shwe, a member of the charity home committee.

The charity homes in post-cyclone Arakan State are supported by donors at home and abroad, and they are facing challenges in repairing the damaged buildings.

Children are suffering from food shortages as their dormitories and classrooms were destroyed by the cyclonic storm.

“We live, eat or sleep in a single dormitory for the time being. There is a lot of damage, so I don’t know how long it will last like this,” said Maung Nay Zaw Htay, an orphan from the Rathedaung charity home.

There are nine charity homes in Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Ann, Kyaukphyu and Myebon townships.