Forging Resilience at a Time of Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Myanmar as a result of continual conflicts and natural disasters has had a devastating impact. Almost half of the country’s population is now in poverty, and as much as 75 percent live near to, or below subsistence levels. Meanwhile, 9.7 million women and children are vulnerable to trafficking and gender-based violence, and 3 million people have been displaced from their homes. [1]

Within this dire context, Moe Moe Aye Soe is one of 30 UN Volunteers working across 14 townships of Myanmar to support vulnerable communities through UNDP’s Enabling Community Recovery and Resilience (ENCORE) project. These volunteers come from local communities, and their familiarity with the language and cultural intricacies is essential to ensure that support reaches those in need, including the most marginalized groups.

"The ENCORE project has been helping rural communities in Myanmar to build resilience, strengthen social cohesion, and restore livelihoods and basic services so that people can can better cope with challenges during this time of crisis and withstand shocks in the future, " says UNDP project manager Mai May Htar Phwy Bob.

"This would not be possible without volunteers like Moe Moe Aye Soe. They are vital to the implementation of the project on the ground, working directly with local community members to understand needs, and provide targeted solutions." 

As much as 75% of Myanmar's Population Lives NEAR TO, or BELOW Subsistence Levels.

 

Moe has been involved in volunteering activities in Myanmar since she was 19. She also volunteered with UNDP back in 1999.

“Having spent half of my life volunteering, I’ve cultivated trust with the local people over a long period,” says Moe. “My ability to speak local languages like PaO and Danu has helped in this regard. Over the years, with each successful development project, this trust has only strengthened.”

“The people know me and feel comfortable interacting with me. This connection is essential in my role as a Community Facilitator, and isn’t something that can be built over night,” she states.

Based in Kalaw Township, Moe’s daily work involves visiting households to collect information and assess their needs. This helps the project team to make informed decisions on tailored interventions that respond to the needs of communities.

She also facilitates ‘Cash for Work’ activities that provide extra income to vulnerable households through temporary employment opportunities such as constructing roads, rebuilding housing, or renovating village reservoirs for both irrigation and residential water supply.

"The people know me and fell comfortable interacting with me - this connection is essential in my role as a Community Facilitator, and isn't something that can be built overnight."
- Moe Moe Aye Soe, UNV Community Facilitator

“It is my responsibility to monitor project progress, make sure activities run smoothly, and ensure that the financial support reaches the most vulnerable,” says Moe. “In total, I have assisted up to around 3,000 people in 1,600 households, across 15 villages.”

With the help of UNVs like Moe Moe Aye Soe, UNDP’s ENCORE project has supported over 900,000 vulnerable people to date, helping to improve their resilience to economic, security, health, and climate-related shocks.

“Seeing the community become more resilient and developed, and watching vulnerable people receive the support they need, makes me very happy and proud,” says Moe.

While volunteering with UNDP has allowed Moe to bring hope to people around her, it has boosted her own confidence and enhanced her skills and knowledge of the development sector in the local context.

“I’ve learned the importance of writing detailed reports and how to work collaboratively within a team to support vulnerable populations,” says Moe. “I have also witnessed highly motivated and professional peers providing livelihood training and support, which has been fascinating to observe and learn from. Not only am I helping the community, but I am also improving my own abilities and advancing my career.”

With people across Myanmar continuing to suffer, UNDP is committed to doing its utmost, together with partners, to support the most vulnerable and ensure that no one is left behind. Moving forward, the ENCORE project aims to reach six million beneficiaries across 52 Townships in 11 States and Regions by 2026. As the project expands, the work of Moe and her peers will only become more critical.

“Being a volunteer is not easy, especially given the country's situation with conflict and economic collapse,” says Moe. “However, seeing the smiles and happiness on the faces of community members, and hearing their feedback on how our interventions have improved their lives, motivates me. This is truly my passion.”

[1] https://www.unocha.org/news/ocha-tells-security-council-myanmars-childr… credits to the end of your post.

**This story was originally published on the website of UNDP in Asia and the Pacific.