Burma!.. Just the country’s name conjures up long distant memories of far away jungles, Rudyard Kipling and long forgotten, Buddhist temples. A place so isolated that although many people today have now heard of it, most have never visited.

Around 15 years ago, Sir Mahesh visited the country with a friend he’s been close with for over 35 years. Greg Wisbey. With business interests in many parts of the world, Greg was exploring exciting new opportunities in many far flung countries. Having a strong interest in wanting to expand his own horizons and discover a mysterious new destination, Sir Mahesh accompanied Greg on one of his early trips to the country. It was a fascinating journey for them both and together the veil was lifted on a simply stunning destination. A country populated with over 50 million devout Buddhists. Lost in time with lush, tropical greenery and the ruins of untouched Buddhist temples, stupas and pagoda’s everywhere, this really was a forgotten jewel.

A lot has happened during recent times in Burma. Some very good and others not so good. Now officially known by the ancient name of Myanmar, the country is emerging from a pristine place of solitude, into the 20th Century with a fanfare, although at the moment times are rather difficult for many.

On the outskirts of the sprawling capital city, now called Yangon, but formerly known by the far more exotic name of Rangoon, sits an unassuming building. At first glance it looks like a well kept, tidy school, however up close, there’s actually a lot more going on. Many years ago, when Sir Mahesh and Greg first visited the country, their local friend and business partner, Ko Nay, spent a long time gently teaching and guiding them both in the traditional Buddhist ways of the country. It became apparent very quickly that there were many people that really needed help and whilst those from within the country were trying their best, it was actually the generosity of new visitors that delivered some genuine, life-changing opportunities for many. As it happened, Sir Mahesh discovered that Ko Nay was doing his best to help support a not so small orphanage school in an area that few visitors ever get to.

The school is managed by a group of devout Buddhist monks and it relies solely upon donations to exist. Each day 717 children from surrounding villages attend the school and the monks along with their teachers and other volunteers provide classes, food and shelter for the kids that really need it most. More importantly however, is the fact that these poor monks are able to provide a home for over 30 orphans. With children ranging in age from 5 to 14 and classes from Kindergarten to Grade 8, the monks care, feed, clothe and shelter these poor children who essentially have nothing and no one in the world to support them. The area is surrounded by very poor people who are simply unable to take on orphans. These children, the victims of circumstances beyond their control, have been fortunate enough to find a safe haven at this wonderful orphanage school run by a team of caring, dedicated and devoutly faithful Buddhist monks. During one of Sir Mahesh’s very early visit’s to Myanmar, he travelled together with Greg and Ko Nay to visit the school. It was clear that urgent help was needed but where could one start? After lengthy discussions with the Abbot in charge, it was determined that the children had no clean ablution facilities. The toilet and bathing areas were very primitive and the taps that did work provided very dirty water. It was just terrible. A decision was taken on the spot and a new project began. Our first project at the orphanage school was to build a completely new toilet block for both boys and girls. Fitted with proper washing facilities, the project was set up and managed by the Abbot and assistant monks with Ko Nay overseeing the work. Sir Mahesh’ s Foundation underwrote the costs and the end result was excellent. A new, properly built, solid brick building complete with all the necessary plumbing to ensure that the children were supplied with safe, clean running water.

With nearly 720 students and 18 teachers working up to 12 hours a day, six and a half days a week, the orphanage school is a hive of activity. Over the years our Foundation has managed to rebuild various parts of the school and orphanage. The second major project involved a complete rebuild of the orphan’s sleeping area. With clean new tiled floors and walls, for the first time in their life, many of the children were at last able to sleep in a safe, clean, cool and comfortable environment. Time has rolled on and for many years now and Lady Usha and Sir Mahesh Patel has supported the monthly wages bill for the 18 teachers. This has been a huge relief for the Abbot, the school, the children and the teachers who no longer have the stress of not knowing whether they’ll have a job, let alone be paid each month. The reliable continuity of support for the whole school community has made a massive difference to all involved, especially the orphans. This is not a small project and with virtually no local support, assistance of any kind would be gratefully appreciated. If you, your friends or colleagues would like to support this orphanage school, please contact our Foundation.