Myanmar was hit by a terrible cyclone in 2008, and the British public responded by donating millions. ActionAid helped 200,000 people rebuild their lives. But we did far more. We launched a country-wide network that is delivering rice banks, schools and health clinics to the most vulnerable people.

You can read stories from ActionAid staff and volunteers below.

Kyu Kyu's story

"I found out my parents had died, and wondered how I would survive without them and with no home or food. I have two sons, the elder of which (aged 5), has been left disabled by polio. I didn’t know what to do for my future.

 "The grant enabled me to buy a second-hand fishing net, as my previous one was destroyed in the cyclone...Now I am able to catch fish and prawns regularly, and we have more money as a family." Read more here.

Ohmar's story

"Nargis destroyed nearly everything. Lots of people died.

 "All these opportunities to get hold of the knowledge we needed, to work with other villages and outside agencies, to rebuild our communities - they could only happen with the support of ActionAid and its partners here. Thank you." Read more here.

Kwe Kay's story

"Now I work with my community to organise meetings to discuss important issues such as disaster risk reduction and livelihoods...

 "Another aspect of my role involves working with young people, particularly on issues of money and how to save for the future...It makes me happy to know that I am helping vulnerable people and working for my own community." Read more here.

Andrew's story

"Myanmar’s security forces have not previously been keen on NGOs, so ActionAid has had to build its multi-million pound program very quickly from almost nothing. 

 "I became Chair of ActionAid UK in December 2009 and we chose this trip to help me understand why ActionAid is different from other aid agencies. It worked. I was bowled over by the confidence and ability nurtured in young people by ActionAid."  Read more here.

Than Than's story

"I felt that the village needed a good leader, so I put myself forward.

 "Now in my role, I help call village meetings, where we identify vulnerable individuals and help people learn about important issues like disaster risk reduction." Read more here.