Hopes chime for the future

Musians and civic organisations organised a fund-raising concert for communities in need at the Yangon National Theatre last Friday.
Led by two youngsters carrying the national and Myanmar Youths Union flags, students kicked off the event by singing the patriotic song “Toe Bamar” (“We Are Myanmar”), a rallying call for early nationalists fighting for independence from British rule.
The concert, organised by the Myanmar Youths Union and supported by Bo Bo Entertainment, Ayeyarwady Bank and the Taw Win Development Foundation, was packed.
“Young people in Myanmar play a minimal role and gave few job opportunities,” said Zwe Yan Naing, the union’s 19-year-old chairman. “The level of education is also low. So we want to help fund those needing to continue their university studies. We will also do capacity-building programmes in Yangon and other towns, especially along the border.”
Zwe Yan Naing earned a nice compliment from well-known comedian Myittar. “The chairman is only 19 years old!” he said. “But we elders are very pleased to follow his good leadership, since the MYU’s aims are good for society.”
The concert included poetry recitals by Min Ko Naing, a former political prisoner, and union members chanting a traditional thangyat, satirising social and political issues.
The Myanmar Youths Union was established in 2011 to give young people a forum to participate in the country’s reforms. The organisation has already hosted many youth discussions among in Yangon and elsewhere, along with reading sessions, monthly charity drives and the distribution of information on elections and the constitution.
The proceeds from Friday’s concert will go to those living in underdeveloped areas and conflict-affected areas where peace efforts are underway. Educational and capacity-building programmes will also be conducted every month, says the union’s deputy chairman, Aung Zin.
The concert couldn’t fail to be a hit with young fans like Win Phyo Zaw. “I like it because it has a good purpose in terms of education,” he said. “I hope their charitable works are successful.”
University student Kaung Sithu opened the proceedings, introducing the student comedy satirising how young people miss out on employment opportunities and poking fun at the deteriorated educational system.
“Young people are active, honest and brave – they have their own dreams – but they’re worried about their future,” said Mya Nandar of the New Myanmar Foundation, a partner of the union. “Some try really hard, but nothing is happening for them, so they go abroad – at a loss to our country.”
She added that the government should also support monastic education by upgrading the teachers.