How did you get involved with Muditar?
When my previous work project ended, I discovered the Muditar vacancy announcement on the MIMU website and was interested in the job responsibilities. I believe that I am the best person for these responsibilities, so I applied to Muditar and was hired. I’ve been working in Muditar since September 2019, so I have more than three years of experience.
Did you work for another organization prior to Muditar and if so, what were your responsibilities there and how did it prepare you for your current position?
I worked as a Grant Officer for the INGO organization called Pact In Myanmar. My primary responsibility was to review the financial report process and determine whether or not the activities proposed can be carried out. From that, I gained experience with livestock projects, capacity building projects, and livelihood projects (swings and weaving). I have discovered the distinctions between the previous organization and Muditar to be that Muditar focuses on the leadership program, while the Village Development Team is in charge of the projects. Muditar has a clear value and is the foundation of sustainable community-led development.
What is your favorite program offered to your village partners, and why?
All of the programs are very beneficial to the villagers, especially the Leadership, Livelihood, Infrastructure, and Women’s Empowerment programs, and we can clearly see the changes in the villagers’ lives. If I have to choose a program, my favorite would be Leadership because sustainable community development is dependent on their leadership, and they will have to manage the projects on their own after the partnership with Muditar ends. Because of the effective leadership program that Muditar supports, they can run the projects well, even in the current unstable situation.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Can you share a special time that made you feel particularly fulfilled by your work?
The VDT and project committees can run the projects effectively. I believe that our capacity development for the committees in the leadership program is outstanding, particularly the pig farm project, Community Bank, Self Help Groups, libraries, and old infrastructure maintenance groups. To know that our capacity development is working so well is very rewarding. Last week, a pig farmer from Myin Chaung village contacted us and expressed gratitude for the income he received from pig farming (over 20 lack ($1,000) despite the current crisis. His life is permanently changed, thanks to his involvement in our partnership.
We know the political situation in the Pauk region is very challenging now- how do you manage to communicate with the village teams in order to monitor progress?
We cannot go to the villages for security reasons in the current unstable situation. As a result, we have to contact the committee members via phone. Project Officers inquire about the status of the project and provide advice and feedback to committee members. Also, I hold a team meeting every week to discuss the project status and give my team members some instructions. My team members and I are always in contact. Furthermore, my Country Manager always provides guidance and support.
What part of Myanmar are you from? What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of work?
I live in Yesagyo township in Magway, Myanmar’s central region. My favorite hobbies are playing the guitar and singing songs. I also spend my time watering the plants in my yard and watching TV shows.
