Here’s an exclusive Q&A Session with Shin Shin, MCHP Student Leader.
Q.
Why did you start doing MCHP?
A.
I always wanted to start a service learning group. For example, in 6th grade, I started a group called Happy Day, which strived to make people happy while raising money for Yangon Animal Shelter. I’ve always wanted to do Happy Day again and thought about it around ninth grade and during the December break of 9th grade. I was very inspired by a guest speaker that came to ISY, and also observed that charitable funds were often not widely distributed. I wanted to emphasize that we could be using our wealth and knowledge on improving the lives of the people of Myanmar.
Alex is giving snacks to congratulate a boy for being brave enough to take the vaccine.
―Photographed by Erica.
The doctors and nurses prepare the doses and syringes.
―Photographed by Erica.
People wait for their names to be recorded and then called based on their ages.
―Photographed by Erica.
Students are waiting for their turn in line.
―Photographed by Erica.
A student is getting vaccinated.
―Photographed by Erica.
Q.
What is in store for the future?
A.
By 2023 or 2024, MCHP hopes to finish vaccinating 5,000 children, but this will require recruiting younger members to our team for the long run – those who care the most and who will carry out projects with passion. Ideally, it will extend to other health projects, from building toilets to funding heart surgeries, lead by our next leader.
Q.
How did you feel after the very first MCHP trip?
A.
The feeling was indelible – it was very rewarding. You do not know until you are there. The initial feeling was knowing that my friends and I had made a difference. When I was around these kids, I looked at them and talked to them and I realized how privileged we are. I witnessed how a piece of coloring paper lit up their faces, while little things like that don’t excite us and the people around us anymore. It’s a different experience – you realize how much you can do when you are at the age of 16. It is possible for one person to change lives for 100 other people.
As there were too many kids, MCHP had to take a panorama.
―Photographed by Erica.
Meanwhile, Shin Shin informed Global that Myanmar Children Health Project (MCHP) accomplished their biggest goal yet on September 2nd. Among the 600 kids in Thanamaga School in Mingalardon Township, a total of 482 kids were tested for hepatitis B, while 468 were vaccinated. Unfortunately, thirteen people were tested positive in the hepatitis B blood test and could not receive the vaccination. As part of the 0-1-6 program (booster shots after one month and after six months), MCHP will revisit the school on September 29th.
Currently, MCHP has enough funds for the first and second shots, but still needs approximately another 3,000,000 kyats for the third shot, which will take place on February 2020. MCHP’s seventh project is also planned to begin as soon as the funds for vaccinating 300 children gather. MCHP is consistently accepting donations; it will cost 14,900 kyats and 23,600 kyats to sponsor one child for under and over 10 years, respectively.
Recently, Erica Michalikova, member of MCHP and junior at ISY placed first in a local photography competition. The ena tire pending cash prize will be donated to MCHP. Check it out on Facebook
―Photographed by Erica.
Published by Global
