Following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, the situation in the country is dire. In this fragile context, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is committed to concrete actions of support, reconstruction, and accompaniment of the most affected communities, both through local Conferences and with the aid that the National Italian Federation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is channeling via the Solidarity and International Twinning Department.

We spoke with Veronica Ei Mon Myint Maung, youth coordinator of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Myanmar, who is currently in Rome to take part in the Jubilee of Youth. Her words offer a deep insight into the reality that young people in Myanmar are living today, as well as a message of hope and fraternity that unites the Vincentian family worldwide.

Veronica, could you briefly tell us what the current situation is like for young people in Myanmar after the tragic earthquake?

The earthquake on March 28 was a tragedy of enormous proportions. It hit the regions of Mandalay and Sagaing particularly hard, leaving more than 3,500 dead and thousands injured or missing. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes, many of them young people like me.

Many boys and girls lost everything: their homes, their schools, even their loved ones. The psychological trauma is deep, and access to essential services—such as healthcare and education—has become nearly impossible. To make things worse, we are dealing with scorching heat, constant aftershocks, and restrictions on humanitarian aid. It is a context of suffering and uncertainty that demands immediate and concrete support.

Could you explain how the aid funds you’re receiving are being used?

Every euro is spent with care and responsibility. The priority is to support middle-class families and workers who, overnight, found themselves with nothing. The National Italian Federation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has donated an initial contribution of 20,000 euros, which has allowed us to purchase materials for reconstruction: cement, bricks, lime, and galvanized sheets.

Part of these funds also covers labor costs, which are often unaffordable for those who have lost all sources of income. Furthermore, we prefer to provide families with direct financial assistance so they can choose what they truly need. It is the most dignified way to restore their autonomy and respect.

Are you able to monitor and assess the impact that this support is having on local communities?

Yes, absolutely. Monitoring is essential to ensure that every bit of aid reaches its destination and truly makes a difference. We work side by side with the local Conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and with trusted community leaders.

Our Conferences visit families, listen to their needs, and carefully assess situations before distributing aid. We follow every phase of the project, keeping precise records of how funds are used to ensure transparency and maximize the effectiveness of our efforts. This is a commitment we honor both to the people we serve and to our donors.

How are young people getting involved? Are they actively participating in these projects or initiatives?

Young people are the beating heart of our activities. They are not just recipients of aid, but true protagonists. Many of them dedicate their free time to volunteering: they make home visits, assist the sick, elderly, and displaced people. They help distribute food, clothing, and shelter materials. But their commitment does not stop there. During the reconstruction phase, we greatly rely on the contributions of young people with technical skills, who are ready to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild the homes of the most vulnerable families. We have also started peer support groups, where young people can share their experiences, process trauma, and strengthen that sense of community that makes us stronger together.

What dreams and hopes inspire young people in Myanmar today, despite the current hardships?

Despite everything, young people in Myanmar have not stopped dreaming. They long for safety, secure shelters, and access to basic necessities… but above all, they want peace. True, lasting peace.

They dream of rebuilding their homes, reopening schools, and regaining a life of dignity. They do not want to give up. They want to continue studying, even if it is in tents or temporary buildings, and they hope for job opportunities that will free them from the grip of poverty and fear.

What do you think of this collaboration with the Italian Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

Strengthening exchanges with the Italian Federation would be an extraordinary growth opportunity for everyone. We could share experiences on how to face emergencies, learn reconstruction strategies, and foster solidarity among young people from different cultures. A twinning program would allow us to build bridges of fraternity, enriching our formation and motivating young Burmese volunteers. The Vincentian family is global, and every initiative that helps us feel closer is a precious gift.

What are the main activities carried out by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Myanmar?

Our activities are diverse and deeply rooted in the local communities. We make home visits to support families in need, the homeless, prisoners, the sick, and the elderly. We also provide help in orphanages and hospitals, bringing not just material goods but also listening and companionship. After the earthquake, we have intensified our work in refugee camps and the hardest-hit areas, distributing food, medicine, and shelter materials. Our work adapts to the real needs of the people, always with an attentive eye on emergencies.

What concrete actions are you taking to meet people’s needs and support them in the reconstruction process?

Our primary goal is to ensure that families can purchase what they truly need, which is why direct financial assistance is our priority. We are distributing reconstruction materials—cement, bricks, galvanized sheets—and covering labor costs to help families rebuild their homes. At the same time, we continue to distribute food, drinking water, and hygiene kits, especially for displaced people. We are also handling waste and debris management to make environments safer and facilitate a return to normalcy.

Is there a message you would like to share with the young people attending the Jubilee, as a sign of shared fraternity and hope?

To the young people attending the Jubilee, I send a message of hope and fraternity from the heart of Myanmar. We are part of the same great family, united by faith and the calling to serve the poorest. Even when challenges seem insurmountable, the resilience of young people is a light that never goes out. Your solidarity gives us strength and makes us feel less alone. I invite you to embrace the value of fraternity, to learn from one another, and to carry forward the torch of hope. May the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul guide you in becoming instruments of love and mercy in a world that thirsts for goodness. I wish you a Jubilee filled with blessings and hearts ablaze with the Vincentian spirit!

Source: https://www.sanvincenzoitalia.it/