RECENTLY, in collaboration with CITIC Myanmar, China Foundation for Rural Development carried out a food distribution programme, which is part of the Smiling Children Programme, at Aung Mingala, Dhammikayon and Bawdi Theikpan monastic education schools in Kyaukpyu, Myanmar. The programme provided a two-month food supply for each student and benefited a total of 386 students. This programme aims to support schoolchildren grow up healthily and strongly as well as conveyed the loving-kindness of Chinese people.
During interviews with teachers and parents, they explained that, under the current situation in their region, rice is the most essential daily necessity. The rice available is not sufficient to meet their needs locally. In addition, the income of family cannot catch up the cost of living due to rising commodity prices especially the soaring rice price. Some families with several children are struggling to secure enough food for daily consumption. They added that, in such difficult times, the delivery of food supplies was not only about providing rice, but also bringing warmth and hope to their lives. As such, they expressed their deep gratitude to the monthly donors of CITIC Myanmar and Quanmin Gongyi.
These rice sacks started their journey from Yangon, crossing rivers and braving strong winds before finally arriving in Kyaukpyu. The foundation hopes that the students in Kyaukpyu can learn peacefully without worry. — GNLM
