By Fr. Charles Saw, SDB (MYM)
Photo by Fr. John Jeon, SDB (KOR)

Anisakan, Myanmar - The 29th Expedition of the Korean Salesian Youth Volunteers was realized for the first time in Myanmar. During February 5-16, 2016 a wonderful volunteer service adventure, fruit of synergy between the provinces of Korea and Myanmar happen in Anisakan – Nazareth House, mother house of the Myanmar Salesians.

The 47 members strong Korea Volunteer Team was composed of two groups: 36 members of the MGU (Medical Services) started by Dr. Lucas Kim and 11 members of the Salesian Youth Volunteer animated by Fr. John Jeon. The Medical team as usual was brought with a lot of necessary medicine and basic medical tools from Korea. Thanks to this service about 1680 poor people around Anisakan received medical treatment and necessary medication. On their part the university students were conducting Oratory activity in nearby villages with children and youth, contributed to the health protection and of the Salesian compound wall (cf. photos: Thank you in Burmese and Korean language).

The Superior of MYM vice-province Fr. Charles Saw from the first prospection visit with the Korean volunteer leaders (November 2015, Yangon) was very committed to make this adventure happen. Due to the Myanmar not-so-easy social situation characterized by slow transition towards democracy the service did not happen in the capital of Yangon, but near the former royal city of Mandalay (12 hours bus distance) where are located the majority of MYM Salesian formation houses: the Aspirantate: Nazareth Apostolic school and Novitiate (Anisakan) and the nearby Postnovitiate (Pyin Oo Lwin).

As usual, the volunteer service helps grow both sides: Korean Youth Volunteers are improving the recruitment and formation for their regular expeditions (summer and winter) with a clear focus on the university students (three formation session before departure), meanwhile the Myanmar confreres are learning about the accompaniment and technical back up of volunteer experience. Both sides with a sense of gratitude acknowledge this strong faith experience, when the only possible help came from God, the unexpected organization difficulties brought all confreres and lay mission partners closer to God!

During the last session of the 2016 EAO provincials meeting was highlighted also the ongoing challenge to help the MYM vice-province to overcome the effects of their 50 years long isolation from the communion within the world wide Congregation. The suggestion was two-fold: any possible visit and help for the development of the mission in Myanmar as well the willingness to welcome some MYM confreres for any kind of Salesian exposure, formation or professional preparation in one of the EAO provinces.

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