Why We Support Burma's Buddhist Nuns
Burmese nuns have long faced an uphill journey within Myanmar's spiritual landscape. They play critical roles in the monastery: managing practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, running errands so that monks can devote themselves to meditation and study, and providing healthcare and education in their local communities. Yet, despite these efforts, nuns often find themselves without the same support or recognition as male monastics, with fewer educational opportunities and a lack of institutional backing.
The 2021 coup has only compounded these challenges. The collapse of the economy, skyrocketing inflation, and general instability have left them lacking even basic necessities, like food. Previously, donors would commit to providing alms for entire nunneries on specific days. Now, with many local supporters themselves facing economic hardships, even small donations have dwindled. The scarcity has forced nuns to spend less time on their practice and study in favor of just trying to meet basic, daily needs.
Our organization has recognized these mounting challenges and has made it a mission to support Buddhist nuns across Myanmar. One particularly moving example comes from a nunnery that also serves as an orphanage, caring for young girls from conflict zones. The nuns not only provide them with food and shelter but also with an education. As one senior nun told us after a donation, “We are extremely thankful for the help. It has been so difficult during these times to get enough food, and your support has meant so much to us." Another nunnery we’ve supported provides free education through Grade 9 to nearly 400 nuns along with children from impoverished families, many of whom live in dire conditions in makeshift homes. It also offers meals and healthcare. While skyrocketing inflation and a sharp decline in donations have made it nearly impossible to sustain these services since the coup, the head nun nonetheless remains committed to ensuring the children and nuns under her care continue to have support. She has expressed heartfelt gratitude to our donors for their critical support in keeping this mission alive. “Because of inflation, all of the prices are increasing rapidly now, so it’s not easy to take care of over 100 girls,” she told our team. “To be honest with you, we are struggling quite hard.”
Supporting these resilient young women is not just about offering them material aid; it's about recognizing their crucial role in sustaining the fabric of Myanmar's spiritual and humanitarian life. Ensuring that these nuns can continue their work, particularly in the face of such adversity, has been a priority for us. With this in mind, we encourage donors to earmark contributions for supporting Burmese nuns. Your donation can make a direct impact by helping these women access essential resources and continue their invaluable contributions to their communities. By standing with Myanmar's Buddhist nuns, we offer more than financial support; we offer recognition and solidarity in their enduring mission to embody the teachings of compassion, resilience, and selfless service.
