Project Kaw Thoo Lei

In 2023, the cries for help from Paw Htat Village, Brigade 5, reached our community. Due to ongoing conflict, many orphans and displaced families fled to this village, quickly overcrowding the land, school, and limited resources.

When the village head reached out for support, one of our Associate Directors, a youth leader from the Karen diaspora in Minnesota, took action. With the help of friends, family, and the World Youth Connect platform, they launched a grassroots fundraising effort through Facebook.

Together, the community raised $5,117 to provide:

• Emergency food and hygiene supplies

• Essential aid for orphans and families

• Materials to build a new school for displaced children

This act of solidarity marked the beginning of Project Kaw Thoo Lei: a growing commitment to uplift and rebuild our homeland, one village at a time.

Answering the Call: Emergency Relief for Paw Htat Village

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With the school in Paw Htat Village completed, a new challenge emerged, the roof, made from traditional leaves, couldn’t withstand the weather or last long. It had to be removed and rebuilt twice a year, making learning difficult and unsafe for the children.

In response, our team launched a second fundraising campaign, this time focused on:

• Replacing the leaf roof with a durable brick roof

• Providing support and supplies to the growing number of orphans fleeing into the village

We organized a community food sale, rallying local supporters through culture and cuisine. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised $2,500 to strengthen the school and continue supporting displaced children in need.

This year showed us that even small acts, like cooking and sharing a meal, can lead to big impact.

Rebuilding for Resilience: A Roof that Lasts

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In 2025, our mission took another meaningful step forward. With the help of donors and community members, we raised $3,593 to complete the construction of separate dormitories for girls and boys in Paw Htat Village.

These dorms provide:

• A safe and stable place to sleep

• Protection and privacy for children fleeing conflict

• A sense of belonging for orphans and students far from home

Thanks to your continued support, these young people now have a secure home base where they can rest, learn, and grow with dignity.

Building Safe Spaces: Girl & Boy Dormitories Completed

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This December–January, we're returning to Paw Htat Village to begin the next phase of our mission: bringing electricityto the school and dorms, and building a community library for students and families.

Our goals:

• 💡 Provide reliable electricity for lighting, learning, and safety

• 📚 Build a library where students can access books, study materials, and a quiet place to learn

• 🧒🏽 Foster literacy, curiosity, and opportunity for children and youth in this remote village

This year’s focus is on raising the support and resources needed to light up their future, both literally and educationally.

Help us bring light and learning to Paw Htat Village, donate today to power a brighter future.

Powering Learning & Opportunity. Electricity & Library Project Launched

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Our team is proud to participate in We Share Solar, learning how solar energy can empower communities and light the way for youth in remote villages like Paw Htat.