Mingalar Myanmar (MM) is a local, non-profit organization established and run by private citizens of Myanmar whose mission is to promote and implement sustainable development programs throughout the country. MM was founded by a group of pre-eminent academics, businessmen, social workers and community members who are committed to the ideal of a more transparent and civil society. MM works to achieve this goal through grass roots programs that promote sustainable economic development, encourage community based organizations, and protect the natural resources of Myanmar.

MM’s years of advocacy and development work allowed it to provide immediate and effective assistance to the people of Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. MM’s current programs in the region are funded by a broad range of donors including UNICEF, DFID Pyoepin, Mercy Corps, Mercy Malaysia, Action Aid, International Medical Corps (IMC), U Thant Institute (USA), the Government of Singapore, Italy Embassy, ASEAN, Peace Wind Japan, RIT Alumini, INGO, FAO and the private citizens of Myanmar.

MM works with a full time staff of 90 and has mobilized almost 80 volunteers to provide on the ground relief to the people affected by Cyclone Nargis. MM relief programs currently reach 49,039 beneficiaries from 151 villages in 4 townships (Bogale, Dedaye, Kungyankon, Pyapon). To date, 12,086 families have received food and other forms of assistance through MM’s programs. MM’s current priorities are food security programs and disaster risks reduction programs for the cyclone Nargis affected area. In order to effectively meet the needs of its constituents, MM has trained its volunteer staff through on the job training in early recovery strategy, as well as formalized training in international humanitarian relief norms such as SPHERE standards. MM is also developing its ties with international organizations by becoming actively involved in the UN cluster system. The programs that MM has implemented are not focused solely on immediate humanitarian relief. Rather, each of these programs laid a foundation for more broad-based development in the area. MM is currently developing programs to, among other things, improve and update agricultural methods, community based disaster risk management programs, and restoration of coastal ecosystem.