“Now they see what I can do”: OCHA supports Phoo Phoo and others look beyond disability

Phoo Phoo grew up believing there were limits to what she could do.

Born with a physical disability in Myanmar, she was unable to walk independently until the age of 11. Even then, every step as a child was uncertain. Without support, Phoo Phoo would often slip and fall.

School did not last long. She had frequent seizures, which led her to stop attending school after kindergarten.

For years, Phoo Phoo’s world remained small and confined.

She could help her family with light household chores, but little else. It was difficult for her to watch children her age go to school, earn money, and help support their families.

“I felt left behind,” she said.

Turning a corner

Things began to change in October 2025, when Phoo Phoo received support through a partner organization, with funding from the OCHA-managed Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF).

Phoo Phoo's story reflects the MHF's broader commitment to disability-inclusive humanitarian action. Through a dedicated multi-year allocation launched in 2024, the Fund supports initiatives that help people with disabilities access rehabilitation services, assistive devices, vocational training and other tailored support. In 2025, MHF-funded projects assisted around 89,000 people with disabilities across Myanmar.

She began physiotherapy, gradually building strength and stability. With a walking stick, she is now able to move with far more confidence.

“I was afraid to walk before,” she said. “Now I can move on my own.”

Phoo Phoo also joined vocational training, where she learned to make handwoven baskets using plastic strips. What started as basic training soon became something more.

Over time, she began creating her own designs.

Now, her baskets are sold in nearby towns, bringing in income that helps her family cover food and household expenses.

For the first time, Phoo Phoo, who is the youngest member of her household, can contribute to her family’s income.

Becoming independent

That change has shifted how she sees herself.

“I never thought I could earn like this,” she said.

Phoo Phoo once wanted to become a designer. Today, she is shaping her own path, creating new basket designs and teaching others.

Phoo Phoo’s journey shows how the right support can open opportunities that once felt out of reach.

“Before, people saw me as someone who couldn’t do things,” she said. “Now they see what I can do.”

*This story was originally published on the UN OCHA website.