Fifty young people have joined a novel donation program introduced by the Mandalay archdiocese to finance charitable works and youth development programs.

Father Augustine Win Myint, youth director of Mandalay Archdiocese’s Youth Commission, who launched the program three months ago, said that monthly contributions have now reached 200,000 Kyats (US $200).

Initial contributions were used to buy food and materials for a lepers’ colony in Yaynathar village, north of Mandalay.

“Donations are increasing as young people realize the strength of unity,” said Father Win Myint. The program also aims to introduce young people to the habit of sharing their lives with other people through social work, he added.

On Aug. 25, the priest organized a group of young people to accompany doctors on a medical check camp at St. Joachim’s Parish in Mauk Kaing village, near Mandalay.

While doctors provided the checkups, another priest, Father John Mg Nee, and a team of nuns and young people organized games for the local children.

Doctor Ye Min Zaw, a Buddhist, who joined the program as a volunteer, said he was happy with the program because it enabled him to assist the villagers even though he was unable to help them financially.

Gloria Paunt Paunt, a young woman from St. Francis Xavier Parish, was also pleased with the initiative. “By reaching out to the most needy and the lepers, I can sympathize with them,” she said.

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