The current global situation has stirred in me to be more attentive to God’s new acts of transformation in the world and to participate generously even in small ways in bringing about God’s reign of peace, hope, love and justice.

As we all well know, the consequences of the current political instability, natural disasters, pandemics, and poverty have made many people frightened, defeated, depressed and demoralized. It is our commitment to strengthen, to uplift, to give hope to these struggling neighbors who are around us and in particular, the ninety young girls who are living with us now in our RNDM compound at Pyay. Most of these girls are displaced students mostly from Rakhine State.

On their arrival, the first group of girls were worn-out from the long rough journey, they felt hopeless and homesick, and were experiencing culture shock. We accommodated them and provided the basic essential personal needs as much as possible at our convent.

Later, as the number swelled to ninety, new arrangements were made according to their school grades. While those who are in grades (1-6) have remained at La Salette, the others have been moved to the Saint Paul’s pre-school compound in the village of Mee Gyaung Yei.

To be accommodated there meant we have to provide their basic needs, so a bathroom, toilets, kitchen and the three small classrooms were built provisionally with bamboo side walls and roofing. Though crowded, they feel safer, happy to be together learning and sharing their dreams for life.

Trusting in a God who reveals enough to empower us to move forward, but never enough to remove all risks, our RNDM sisters organized a Summer Program for the 47 young girls (Grade 7 – 12 ) from 7 April – 24 May 2025 while they all were waiting for admission to new schools in June.

During the program, they learned from the different resource persons:  English skills along with daily practical conversation; mathematics (basic formulas, equations etc.), Catechism – Eucharist, prayer, meditation, gospel sharing); vocal training, e.g., singing with four parts) and English gospel songs. We also shared with them about our RNDM way of life and mission, and life skills around communication, personal wellbeing, healthy relationships, and managing the demands and challenges of everyday life.

The program finished well despite many inconveniences and challenges. The young girls and the Sisters and resource persons responsible for it, experienced satisfaction, happiness, self-confidence, social and faith bonding, and above all a sense of hope and gratitude for this opportunity of learning together. All are grateful to those who have supported the program in different ways, thus ensuring its success. It is a great joy and hope to see these young women and girls happily engaged in the program and trying their best.