In 2003/2004 we started our work in Myanmar. Today, we focus on helping the most vulnerable members of society by providing them with the basic necessities of life. We work with conflict-affected internally displaced, host communities and conflict-affected returnees. Our working area is Rakhine State (Sittwe and Kyauktaw Townships). Here, we focus particularly on water supplies, sanitation and food security. Our organisation is officially registered as the Consortium of Dutch NGOs (with Red een Kind and Woord en Daad) in 2009. However, ZOA is currently the sole governance structure and contributor.
We are here in Myanmar
Natural disasters, political unrest and economic crisis leave people in Myanmar with barely enough to survive. In a complex and sensitive situation, ZOA helps the people who feel forgotten by the international community.
The impact of natural disasters, poverty, political unrest and economic crisis
needs are high
Conflict and natural disasters
Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. Moreover, it is regularly struck by natural disasters like floods and cyclones. ZOA’s mission is to support people who are migrating due to conflict or natural disasters. In Myanmar, these two situations converge. The combination of violence, displacement, and extreme weather conditions leaves people with barely enough to survive.
Facts and figures about ZOA's work in Myanmar in 2022
With a team of 69 staff members
Clean water for displaced people
In Rakhine State, located in western Myanmar, ZOA primarily supports people living in internally displaced people (IDP) sites and host communities. These people have fled violent clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces and Arakan Army. We provide a wide range of support - including clean water, hygiene kits, bathing stations and latrines - to individuals and families residing in this region. Access to basic WASH-services allows IDPs to live more dignified lives and prevents outbreaks of infectious diseases from spreading.
Home-gardening to improve food security
In Kyauktaw Township, CDN/ZOA implements a food security and nutrition project on home-gardening. In the area of food security, we work with farmers on improving harvests. In addition, we support women in the growing their vegetables, thus enabling them to provide better for their own food security all year round.
working together
Partners and donors
CDN/ZOA applies a dual approach, whereby it self-implements projects and implements projects through local partner organisations. Collaboration with partners makes it possible to work in places that are inaccessible for INGOs and at the same time contributes to building local capacity.
Partnerships and Networks
CDN/ZOA is a member of the INGO Forum and actively engages in coordination meetings and mechanisms at national and state level. CDN/ZOA has a MoU with the Department of Agriculture. People in Need (PIN) is one of our recent consortium members. CDN/ZOA also has a number of partnership with local organizations including including Community Development Association (CDA), Myanmar Health Assistant Association (MHAA) and Action for Green Earth (AGE).
Donors
CDN/ZOA is supported by a range of multilateral, bilateral and private institutional donors. Recent bilateral and multilateral donors include EuropeAid (EU), Government of the United Sates (OFDA), UNICEF, Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF), World Food Programme (WFP), Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and the Royal in Myanmar. CDN/ZOA also receives support from a range of private donors and foundations, such as the ZOA Business Ambassadors.
U She Thu, farmer