Thun Myat Yati_A journey of survival, care and hope

Thun Myat Yati is a 7-year-old girl living in Shwe Pyi Thar Township, one of the largest slum areas in Yangon, Myanmar. Her life has been marked by severe hardship from a very young age.

When she was just one year old, her father passed away. Before his death, the family was informed that he was suffering from HIV. After his passing, Thun was left with her mother, and at that time neither of them had been tested or had any knowledge of possible lifelong chronic illness.

When Thun was around two years old, her mother began to notice that her legs were becoming weak, although she had been born with normal, healthy legs. Despite her efforts to seek medical help, the mother was left confused and without clear answers. Combined with extreme financial hardship, the situation became overwhelming, and at one point, the mother even reached a point of despair and considered taking her own life. However, with the support of kind neighbors, she was brought to our clinic for help.

At the clinic, both Thun Myat Yati and her mother were finally tested and diagnosed with HIV. Since then, they have been receiving free lifelong treatment for their condition, along with regular counseling sessions to support the mother’s mental well-being.

In 2022, Thun became one of our sponsored children. Around the same time, the family had no stable place to live, so our team supported them with temporary shelter. From then on, Thun began receiving comprehensive support, including monthly food packages with nutritious items, as well as full educational assistance.

Her medical care was also expanded beyond HIV treatment. For her leg condition, she received a walking boot in 2023 with support from the SANNI Foundation. She was also connected to a disability rehabilitation center, where she continues to receive physiotherapy, exercise guidance, walking boot adjustments, and essential mobility support, including a commode and quad walking cane.

In 2023, Thun and her mother began renting a small home. During their time at the temporary shelter, the mother had managed to save some money by washing clothes in the neighborhood. With additional support from a small income-generating activity of selling dried fish, supported by the SANNI Foundation, the family was able to build a modest financial foundation, although the business is currently on hold. At present, the mother works relies on odd jobs to sustain their daily needs.

Despite living with a lifelong chronic illness and Thun’s ongoing mobility challenges, she has been able to continue her education with stability and hope. With continuous support from the sponsorship program under the SANNI Foundation, she successfully completed Grade 1 in the 2025 academic year.

Today, Thun Myat Yati and her mother continue to move forward with strength and resilience. The family remains deeply grateful for the vital support they have received during their most difficult times. Their journey stands as a testament to the impact of continuous and compassionate assistance from the SANNI Foundation, helping vulnerable children like Thun build a safer and more hopeful future.