Zin Min Htet_A Safe home and a second chance: Zin Min Htet’s Story

Zin Min Htet is a 7-year-old boy living in Thanlyin Township, one of the largest slum areas in Yangon, Myanmar. He lives with his mother and his older sister, who faces mental health challenges and requires close care and attention.

In 2025, the family experienced a heartbreaking loss when Zin Min Htet’s father passed away after suffering from HIV, tuberculosis, and alcohol-related issues. Despite these hardships, Zin Min Htet and the rest of the family members do not have any chronic illness.

The family had been living on restricted land in a small house they built themselves. Zin Min Htet’s mother, who has little education and limited work experience, struggles to provide for her two children. She takes on any work she can find, including collecting plastic bottles from trash to resell and working in physically demanding construction jobs. Much of her time and energy is devoted to caring for her daughter, who is unable to attend school due to her condition.

As a result, Zin Min Htet began to lose motivation in his studies, and his school attendance gradually declined. Recognizing his situation, counselors from our clinic identified his needs, and he was enrolled in our sponsorship program in November 2025.

Since becoming a sponsored child, Zin Min Htet’s life has become more stable. His essential needs are met, including full educational support with school supplies, uniforms, and tuition fees. The family also receives a monthly food package with nutritious items, which has greatly eased their daily struggles. With encouragement and guidance from our social worker, Zin Min Htet regained his motivation and began attending school regularly again. He successfully completed Grade 1 for the 2025 academic year and sat for his final exams in February 2026.

However, during the summer break, the family faced another crisis. The landowner suddenly showed up, forced them to dismantle their home and leave. Although they had materials to rebuild, they had nowhere to go. With no savings and only a fragile income from odd jobs, the family was left with no choice but to stay on the streets.

Our social workers responded immediately to support the family. After discussing possible solutions, we provided support to cover six months of land rental fees so they could relocate. Despite her ongoing knee injury caused by accident from physically demanding construction work, Zin Min Htet’s mother showed great determination during this difficult time. With support from our clinic, she has now begun receiving treatment for her condition. With the help of Zin Min Htet’s uncles and the family’s own materials, a new house was built in just a day and a half.

Today, Zin Min Htet and his family are living in a safe and stable home. They no longer have to fear sudden eviction, and Zin Min Htet can focus on his education and his childhood once again. The family is deeply grateful for the support they have received, which has brought them stability and renewed hope during one of the most difficult times in their lives. This kind of timely and life-changing support is made possible thanks to the continuous and generous support of the SANNI Foundation, helping children like Zin Min Htet build a more secure and hopeful future.