Action Aid UK ambassador, Emma Thompson, recently met the members of the Fellowship programme during a recent trip to Myanmar. The Fellowship was first formed in 2006 as a unique project to help develop young leaders in Myanmar to bring change to their communities.’Fellows’ are used to communicate with local people to try and understand the many complex challenges that they face on a day to day basis.
This project therefore allows Action Aid to reach some of the most vulnerable and remote groups living in areas that has closed to foreigners. There are so many problems to face, such as inequality and poverty, that the Fellows work is invaluable to helping out people who are in desperate need. With up to 40% of the Myanmar population children and young people, the Fellowship helps to huge to harness the energy of a generation who have only know poverty and struggle.
Pictured is Tin Htan, a Fellow for 5 years from Rahkine State, who said –
When we became Fellows there was no one to guide us. But now, we can guide the young fellows. I had no idea what the conference will be like. I was surprised to see all these people doing a great job. It really encouraged me. At the last night of the conference, on the cultural night, my team didn’t bring our cultural dress because we didn’t think it was important. When I saw the other groups I realised how important it is to maintain our cultural identity as well as be united.
