On the Rise Movement in Burma
At this very moment a young student in Burma is wandering the streets, unable to receive the nourishment and education that everyone rightfully deserves to have in life. During each passing day he struggles to survive and life only provides added challenges and no hope of relief. But there is hope, On the Rise Movement is providing these students and their families with a fair chance at a better life.
Burma, located in South-East Asia, offers a poor future for it’s inhabitants. A third of it’s people live in dire poverty and less than ten percent can’t afford to buy food each day. Apart from the bad economical situation, Burma is under a strict military regime. Despair has caused many people to flee elsewhere. However, these refugees are often forced to return to their homeland with their hopes at an end. Without any help Burma will remain a hell to grow up in.
‘United we stand’
Karoline Xu decided to make a difference and started the non-profit ‘On the Rise Movement’. The purpose of On the Rise Movement (OTRMov) is to improve Burma’s educational opportunities and thus to improve Burmese overall quality of life. Although this organization is run solely by volunteers and has only been active since 2009, there are already some remarkable achievements taking place. Its initial fundraiser Youth 4 Burma, a music and dance event, raised nearly $2000. At this time, their annual Awareness Campaign, ‘Youth 4 Burma’ clubs, and the ‘I Love Burmese!’ bracelets are instrumental in their fundraising. So far, OTRM has made enough money to provide a school with electricity and build and run several more schools. Over $5000 has been raised with the aid of many volunteers and supporters. Growing from one individual to over eight hundred members, On the Rise Movement is literally on the rise.
OTRMov has a partnership with the Karen State Education Assistance Group (KSEAG). The organization KSEAG is designed to provide an annual salary for Burmese teachers and to provide the necessary educational materials for the students.
On the Rise Movement is currently working on an Awareness campaign designed to convince local schools and businesses to join the organization and to aid Burma. Burma has been out of the picture and neglected for too long– the time has come for us to reach out and help them.
By funding the construction of school buildings and providing student education packs, On the Rise Movement tries to make Burma a better place. Ms. Xu is just one young San Antonian who is reaching out and helping others. Each contribution helps provide Burmese youth with a fighting chance at a better life.
For more information on the organization you can visit the site www.otrmov.org.