Rebuilding after Cyclone Nargis
In May 2008 Cyclone Nargis struck the delta area of Myanmar killing over 100,000 people and leaving countless survivors homeless. At the time U.K. BEST chairman U Nay Win contacted its sister organisation in Myanmar to resolve what needed to be done.
After discussion it was decided that half the money entrusted to the sister organisation of BEST in Myanmar should be mobilised in helping the cyclone survivors. Myanmar BEST also raised further money at the time specifically for helping the victims of the cyclone. The money raised was used to reach the remote, difficult to get to, delta area devastated by Cyclone Nargis. Aid was given directly to the survivors in the form of clean drinking water, food and other materials to survive the aftermath.
News of the help given by Myanmar BEST reached reporters of news organisations and was consequently reported widely in news journals. Further money was raised as a result of the publicity received by the aid efforts of Myanmar BEST. Donations came from within and outside of Myanmar. In total 70,000,000 Kyats, approximately 45,000 GBP, was given in aid of the Myanmar cyclone.
In addition to the above figures BEST also made further contributions for rebuilding projects:
1. 500 USD was donated to the delta area Latputar Laythat Kyaung Sayadaw while the Sayadaw was a visiting monk at the Tisarana Vihara in the United Kingdom.
2. 1000 USD was donated to Mawkyun Kanasoechaung Village monastery to rebuild the monastery destroyed by Cyclone Nargis.
3. 1500 USD was donated to Sitagu Sayadaw to rebuild monasteries destroyed by Cyclone Nargis.
Kathina (Offering of Robes Ceremony)
On 12 November 2008 kathina ceremony was held by BEST at the Waizotayon Monastery, Parami Area, Yangon. The kathina was lead by the head abbot who gave a dhamma talk and water pouring observance.
BEST donated 2,000,000 Kyats, approximately 1290 GBP, for the robe offering ceremony which included giving dana in the form of lunch to 150 monks and 100 visiting people.
BEST trustee Dr U Myint Thein also attended the kathina ceremony and offered writing materials donated by his wife Daw Omar Thein.
BEST U.K. donors Daw Kyi Kyi Chit and Daw Yu Yu Din also attended the robe offering ceremony.
Other Projects Funded by BEST
1. Dec 25, 2008. 300,000 Kyats, approximately 194 GBP, towards the rebuilding of the primary school and Zabu Ohatshaun Payahita nun school both located in Myaingthayar Village, Kyauttan Township and affected by Cyclone Nargis.
2. Dec 27, 2008. 500,000 Kyats, approximately 323 GBP, to Myautokalar Dhammamaydini School which gives free education to over 1000 student monks, nuns and lay students. The principal is Sayadaw U Zarnay Ya.
3. Dec 29, 2008. 1,300,000 Kyats, approximately 839 GBP, was donated towards rebuilding the temples in Kadon Village, delta area, ruined by Cyclone Nargis.
4. Jan 15, 2009. 300,000 Kyats, approximately 194 GBP, towards building a new student monk accommodation at Sangikha Kyaung (school).
5. Jan 24, 2009. 700,000 Kyats, approximately 452 GBP, to help the Mingalartightkyaung Orphanage in Payagyi Village, Tuntay Kautmu Township.
6. Jan 25, 2009. 400,000 Kyats, approximately 258 GBP, donated to Tayzaryarma Payahita Kyaung teaching monastery in Shwepyitha.
7. Jan 25, 2009. 450,000 Kyats, approximately 290 GBP, towards extending the Yadanapangoan Kyaung in Shwepyitha Tawywalay Village for the purpose of accommodation for student monks.
8. Jan 26, 2009. 100,000 Kyats, approximately 65 GBP, was donated to Ayeyeiktha Payahita School in East Dagon Myothit.
9. Jan 29, 2009. 700,000 Kyats, approximately 452 GBP, to Hantharaye Orphanage in Thywarchaun Village, Latpadan Township.
10. 100,000 Kyats, approximately 65 GBP, to BEST sister organisation in Myanmar.
11. 108,000 Kyats, approximately 70 GBP, donated generally to student monks and teaching monks.
