Arakan charity teaching vocational skills for women in financial need

14 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
14 February 2023, Sittwe

A charitable foundation providing free vocational training for women as part of a women’s empowerment program in Arakan State is running into financial troubles.

The Dr. Saw Mya Aung Foundation has been providing free tailoring training for around 100 women every three months, with raw materials and equipment needed for the training being supplied by other donors. But those donors have cut supplies as of this month due to their own budget constraints, said project officer Daw Khin Than of the Dr. Saw Mya Aung Foundation.

“We have run into a lot of difficulties. We have been looking for donors to continue to provide free training for women. We will have to reduce our lessons if we have no money. The more materials we have, the more advanced level the lessons reach,” said Daw Khin Than.

The foundation operates in Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Kyaukphyu and Taungup townships, providing training in tailoring and design. It has so far trained more than 1,700 women. 

The training is intended to provide job opportunities and a source of income for local women, so that they can support their families. Since the coup in February 2021, more and more women have been leaving Arakan State for foreign countries, where they seek better economic prospects.

“The training is very good for those who want to learn vocational skills. You can become a self-employed designer, and support your families. So, I want other women to join the training,” said Ma Hay Mon Lai.

The tailoring course covers Western dress, bridal wear, traditional Arakanese clothes, and other sorts of attire.

The foundation has urged organisations and businesses to provide whatever financial support they can. 

“We also want to provide free accommodation and meals for trainees from rural areas. However, we can’t do it because of financial constraints,” said Daw Khin Than.

Any woman, including villagers displaced by conflict, who have reached the age of 16 are welcomed to apply to join the classes on offer as long as the enterprise remains solvent, according to the foundation.

Established in 2014, the not-for-profit Dr. Saw Mya Aung Foundation provides assistance in Arakan State’s social, health and education sectors.