Standing Up Against Tyranny
Better Burma has been providing essential support to Healing Hands, a grassroots group that has been making a significant impact on the ground following the coup. Recently, Shade, a member of Healing Hands, shared valuable insights about their work in a podcast episode. In the excerpt below, Shade reveals why he chose to take such an active role in supporting vulnerable communities during this time in his homeland, which include his focus in organizing medical trainings as well as establishing mobile clinics to those regions impacted by the military. If you find it in your heart to help, please consider making a contribution, no matter the amount, to support the invaluable work undertaken by Shade and the full Healing Hands team! We sincerely thank all those donors who have already given, and any further donation will allow their mission to continue in their good work.
“This feeling has always been on my mind. I wanted to get involved, to help people; I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”
“I believe what truly motivates me to do what I'm doing is the desire to make my homeland a better place, free from oppression. It's not just about patriotism or nationalism; it's about creating positive change.
Unfortunately, the issue of Myanmar has been pushed to the sidelines, with some people thinking everything is peaceful now. However, ongoing challenges persist, and raising awareness is essential in keeping the situation in the spotlight.
In Myanmar, many areas lack internet access and communication infrastructure, so reaching out to them directly and offering help based on individual capacities can be impactful.
The diaspora community is already doing a lot, but I constantly ask myself how I can do more and get more involved. Walking away isn't an option for me, as I wouldn't be able to face myself! I'm committed to seeing this through until the end—to see an end to military control and the restoration of true peace and tranquility in Myanmar. This has been a longstanding struggle, and I'm determined to do my part in achieving a better future for my homeland.
So obviously, it hasn't been easy for me since day one of the coup, just being away from home and slowly seeing my homeland being torn apart. In the early days of the coup, I felt the need to take action. As things progressed, I realized I couldn't stand by and do nothing. No matter how small the action may be, I had to do something. This feeling has always been on my mind. I wanted to get involved, to help people; I couldn't just stand by and watch. Even when I'm occupied with something else, the suffering of people back home is constantly on my mind. It has been this way since day one of the coup.
For me, being abroad for a while now, looking back, I can't disconnect from my homeland. It's where I grew up, and I want to see it peaceful, free from tyranny and oppression. I wish to witness its prosperity and become a place of peace and unity for all ethnicities and inhabitants. This strong sense of responsibility drives me to do more. I keep questioning myself, asking, "What more can I do?" I'm eager to explore more ways to contribute and get more deeply involved.
I can't simply turn a blind eye; I feel an unyielding commitment to see my homeland free from tyranny, oppression, and fear.”