Some afternoons at Myittar Yaung Chi are especially memorable — particularly when Jerzy Wilk, affectionately known as the “father” of the orphanage, comes to visit. On those lucky days, he brings donuts.
The excitement is immediate. The children eagerly gather around the sweet treats filled with jam and covered in icing sugar. The smallest ones are the most impatient, of course. But what stands out most is how differently sweets are enjoyed in Myanmar. Instead of keeping treats to themselves, the children naturally share. It’s common for someone to offer you a bite, and everyone is invited to taste together. For volunteers, this spirit of generosity is a deeply touching experience.
After the excitement fades, the afternoon turns practical. Laundry takes center stage, with some children taking on responsible roles like folding and organizing clothes. The volunteers are often assigned simpler tasks — such as sorting hangers by color alongside the youngest children. Once everything passes inspection by the older girls, it’s time for a well-earned afternoon nap.
With temperatures often reaching 40°C in the shade during summer, the orphanage grows quiet for a few hours. Officially, older children are meant to rest or do homework. In reality, some may secretly gather in a room to watch Korean boy bands on a volunteer’s phone or practice card tricks — as long as teachers don’t notice.
Later in the afternoon, the energy returns. A refreshing splash of water cools everyone down, and activities vary day by day. Some children rehearse traditional dances in the courtyard, while on other days the air fills with the buzzing sound of clippers as dozens of boys get haircuts. Elsewhere, children paint, play shop in the recreation room, or debate the rules of card games.
By 4 pm, the toy shop closes, the music fades, textbooks are put away — and once again, it’s time to eat.
— Annabelle
