Gerhard Ruether, the founder of Rays of Love, first came to Myanmar in 1979 when he started his business there. His late wife Elisabeth often traveled with him to Yangon. During their visits, she was deeply affected by the difficult lives of children living in orphanages. Many had little care, security or chance for a better future. Together, Gerhard and Elisabeth helped wherever they could and grew close to the people and the country.
When Elisabeth passed away in 2004, Gerhard wanted to honor her life and her love for children in a lasting way. In her memory, he created two homes for children in need. One was named House Elisabeth, sharing his wife’s name, and became a home for boys. The other was named House Theresa and became a home for girls. They were built not just as places to live, but as places where children could feel safe, loved and supported.
In 2008, Cyclone Nargis caused great suffering across Myanmar. Thousands of families lost everything and many children were left alone. In response, Gerhard Ruether founded Rays of Love to help children who had lost their homes and families. What began as personal care for children grew into a wider effort to reach more children in need.
In November 2009 House Elisabeth opened its doors to boys in need. In November 2013 House Theresa opened its doors to girls who needed safety and care. Over the years many children arrived carrying fear and sadness. Inside the homes they found patience, guidance and a sense of belonging.
Today both homes are among the best cared for in Yangon. Children grow up in safety, attend school and begin to look toward the future with confidence. Many former residents are now working, building families and helping others in return. Their lives show what is possible when children are given care and stability.
These homes carry the spirit of Elisabeth in everything they do. Her kindness lives on in every child who is protected, guided and loved.
We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in our work, ensuring full transparency with donors and partners who place their trust in us. Through responsible stewardship, clear communication, and a child-centred approach, we strive to build a supportive environment where every child can grow confidently, pursue their aspirations, and shape a meaningful future.
Our mission is to provide orphaned children with a stable, loving, and growth-oriented home where their well-being, potential, and dignity are at the heart of every decision we make.
Creating a nurturing and empowering community where every orphaned child feels loved, safe, and confident, and is given an equal chance to succeed in life through education, care, and the skills needed for a fulfilling and independent future.
Our group consists of members, all of whom have been conducting humanitarian work in Myanmar for many years.
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Member of the Board
Our dedication, transparency, and community-driven approach set us apart. partnering with us,programs that create meaningful change.
Our purpose is to bring together children from different backgrounds and offer them the chance to grow with safety dignity and belonging. We guide them not only toward education but toward confidence, independence and purpose.
Every child is nurtured in a safe, respectful environment with structure, affection, health care, and personal guidance.
We support each child’s learning through schooling, tutoring, skills training, and pathways to vocational or higher education.
Play, creativity, sport, and shared experiences help children build confidence, friendships, and a love for life.
We instill unity, responsibility, effort, and kindness—empowering every child to believe in themselves and their future.
Discover the positive change we’ve created through our programs, partnerships, and dedicated efforts. From healthcare and education to environmental sustainability.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
The children who live with us come from different paths. Some are orphans. Others arrive because learning difficulties or family hardship have made it impossible for them to remain at home. Today around one hundred and twenty children call our orphanage home.
Here they find safety, routine friendship and care. More than a place to stay this is a place to belong.
Meet the passionate individuals driving our mission forward, committed to creating meaningful change and building a brighter future for all.
Working with [NGO Name] has been a truly inspiring experience. Their dedication to uplifting communities and creating sustainable change is unmatched. Through their programs, I’ve seen lives transformed and hope restored
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
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