Transforming Lives

Women in Myanmar left impoverished by a cyclone are recovering thanks to a micro-enterprise program

Cyclone Nargis left many women destitute when it slammed into Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta two years ago. They lost their husbands, children, homes, livelihoods, and hope.

Samaritan's Purse began providing relief in the immediate aftermath of the storm. We worked with local churches to deliver emergency supplies such as clean water, medical kits, and shelters.

We opened an office in Myanmar to continue to provide aid in the Name of Christ to people struggling to rebuild their lives after the cyclone.

Our staff soon became aware of the group of vulnerable women who, lacking education and job skills, were facing a bleak future.

In order to help meet their needs, we enrolled 200 women in a micro-enterprise program. They are trained in cooking and sewing, and in how to start and run a small business. When the classes are complete, they receive a small loan of $15-20 to get started.

“It is great to see how motivated these women are,” said Chris Palusky, director of our Myanmar office. “They all have paid back their loans and are ready for a second round to increase the size of their businesses. They are very proud they are not getting a hand-out. They feel there is dignity in this. They also felt that the business training was great as some had never gone to school.”

Many of the women now are making a living operating stands where they sell basic foods such as rice, noodles, and fish paste. Others have started up small businesses to make clothing.

“Their lives have been transformed,” Palusky said. “Life and hope have been restored. We pray that we can continue to expand the work with these women. We hope to not only see a financial transformation but also that our local church partner will now be able to proclaim the love of Christ to see a spiritual transformation.”