Walking through rural villages in Zambia, you’ll likely be greeted by countless smiling faces, waving children, and people eagerly saying “Mwabuka buti” in greeting. In Myanmar villages, the experience is remarkably similar. Of course, the languages are different, so you’ll hear “Mingalabar” instead. Despite being 5,000 miles apart, Zambia and Myanmar share striking cultural parallels while maintaining unique traditions.
Agriculture: Agriculture shapes daily life in both rural Zambia and Myanmar. Most households depend on seasonal rain to irrigate their crops. In Zambia, rains that come in December are essential to growing maize. Once April comes around, people are busy harvesting their dried maize and bringing it to market for sale. Families keep a portion of their harvest for consumption throughout the year. Maize is then dried, ground, and boiled to make a thick porridge called nshima. In Myanmar, rice dominates agricultural life. Harvested between October and November, rice is both a household staple and a source of income. In both places, agricultural cycles drive not only economic survival but also social rhythms.
Religion: Faith deeply influences community life. Zambia is a Christian nation with most villages comprised of a smattering of different denominations. Myanmar on the other hand is predominately Buddhist. Despite practicing different religions, communities in both countries are built around faith and daily religious practices. Religious leaders are prominent and respected members of their community. Through our 6-year partnerships, discussion with these religious leaders is essential to mobilizing the community and understanding their needs.

Role of Women: Cultural norms about women’s roles reflect both similarities and opportunities for growth. Women in both countries manage households while contributing significantly to the economy through farming and market sales. Leadership roles, however, are traditionally male-dominated. Shanta’s women’s empowerment programs work to shift perspectives by promoting women’s leadership while respecting cultural values.
Clothing: A shared cultural marker is the brightly patterned fabric worn by women. In Myanmar, it’s called a longyi; in Zambia, a chitenge. Both garments symbolize womanhood, often marking a girl’s coming of age. Their vibrant designs reflect cultural pride and identity.
Despite geographic distance, the people of Zambia and Myanmar share a spirit of generosity, resilience, and community-mindedness. Though living with limited resources, they remain joyful and supportive of one another. At Shanta Foundation, we believe cultural understanding strengthens communities, fostering meaningful and lasting partnerships. By embracing cultural diversity, we work toward a shared vision of thriving, self-reliant villages.