WMT work is operating mainly within the Mara community. Maraland straddles the border between north eastern India and Myanmar. It is a very poor region and the majority of Mara people live in isolated rural villages where they rely totally on subsistence farming. They are vulnerable not only to the consequences of uncontrolled slash and burn agricultural methods but also to the unpredictable effects of climate change. Day to day life for Mara people is tough.
Their poverty, ethnicity, language and geographical remoteness generally excludes them from opportunities for further education and development. It is therefore hard for them to have the vision, creativity and inspiration needed to improve things. They also have very little access to healthcare especially in relation to services for maternal and child health.
In the last two years since the Military Coup in February 2021, the Tatmadaw systematically destroyed many years of progress in Myanmar. Many women, children, youth, old people have been killed, many people including women and children were burned alive, many houses and villages including churches, schools and community centres were destroyed and burned down completely, many women are raped, tortures and killed by the military, and indescribable difficulties are added to their lives but they are brave enough to fight back those inhuman actions committed by the military by struggling to escape, to fed and to save and their own lives, their family, their children (their babies) and their belongings.
Many women and children are in IDPs and refugees’ camps without proper shelter, food, healthcare and education while most of the men are either force to fight against the military or force to leave the country for labour work to neighbouring countries in order to escape from the brutal military acts. Therefore, we are planning our programmes to response the challenges faced by women during this difficult time, that includes continued violence and disruption countrywide, mass displacement of people, and the continued closure of livelihood opportunity, health, educational institutions as well as any educational resources capacity building opportunities.
Our Values
- Inclusive: We believe all people should be treated with equal respect regardless of who they are – including their background, gender, religion, sexuality, or mental or physical ability.
- Accountability: We take pride in delivering our service with honesty and accountability.
- Committed: We have committed to build a better future for women, through different development options and our commitment remains as strong as ever as new challenges emerge.
Our programmes are set to response the challenges faced by women during this difficult time, that includes continued violence and disruption countrywide, mass displacement of people, and the continued closure of livelihood opportunity, health, educational and capacity building opportunities in all the regions.
Thank you to everyone for supporting us to do this amazing work. Because of your supports we have seen many positives impacts to our women, our children and our community.
The Waymaker Trust 