We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the remarkable Mommy Sue, a prominent figure deeply involved in community development within Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program area in Myanmar.
Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of our ongoing beach cleanup initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns. Mommy Sue stands as a beacon of inspiration, tirelessly dedicating herself to fostering education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods for the local community.
Committed to community upliftment, Mommy Sue has been an invaluable ally and supporter of our endeavors, collaborating closely with Starboard and facilitating connections with village administration to amplify the impact of our initiatives. Her unwavering support and partnership have been instrumental in driving positive change. At the same time, her school serves as a crucial venue for our environmental awareness programs.
The Heartbeat of Vera Thomson English School
At Vera Thomson English School (VTES), nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Thandwe, Ngapali, lies a beacon of hope and transformation. Founded with a vision to illuminate young minds with the gift of education, VTES stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community.
Mommy Sue, the driving force behind VTES, embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience that has propelled the school from its humble beginnings to its current status as a pillar of the Lintha village community. From its inception in a modest wooden building with just seven students in 2001, VTES has flourished under Mommy Sue’s leadership, now boasting the enrollment of over 900 students, all receiving education free of charge. As we delve into Mommy Sue’s journey and the remarkable story of VTES, we uncover not just a school, but a sanctuary of learning, empowerment, and hope for generations to come.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background, as well as your setup at the Vera Thomsan School in Ngapali?
In 1998 we sponsored a few students to attend the government school in Lintha, and step by step more and more students were sponsored. Without education, these boys and girls would not be able to achieve their full potential. Eventually, 20 years ago we built a little classroom and employed a teacher to teach English.
How do you see education contributing to the community’s development in Ngapali?
Education is the most important thing all over the world. Over the years we have been able to offer free education including, lessons in English, computer skills, and music, as well as teaching students good-manners and how to think critically.
Of course, we face challenges along the way, but we continue. Today, because of our school, all the local hotels now have staff who can speak fluent English.
How do you know Starboard?
I met the founder of Starboard and Inkyinn Pwint who has been running projects in both Gyeiktaw and Singaung. The work that is being done is brilliant and so needed. Cleaning up the environment, while training and teaching people is so vitally important and needs to continue.
Please share your thoughts regarding the Environmental Awareness and Livelihood programs currently underway with Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program.
The Environmental, Livelihood, and also Plastic Offset Program, are all so important for the future of the areas they are working in.
What project are you working on at the moment?
I run Ngapali Trash Heros and have done so for the last 7 years, whereby approximately 90 students, I and 2 teachers, go to 3 areas in the village with trolleys and collect the trash. We put our colllections into re-usable sacks and the rubbish is then separated.
We also run a Trash for Food project, whereby 12 unemployed people with 1 leader, go to different parts and collect the rubbish. At the end of 4 days they are given food.
How do your beach clean ups work?
For 1 hour each Sunday, we take 3 trolleys and go to 3 different areas. One area is the beach and nowadays it is quite clean, but it depends on the tide. Our students have learnt to dig into the sand when they see plastic bags, sacks and clothes buried. We do not use plastic sacks, but use normal ones which we re-use, and our students know how to separate the trash. It works well.
Why is the Trash Hero Project so important to people and the planet?
It is critically important that people understand about the importance of keeping to keep the environment clean, for their own lives and the future generations.
What motivated you to get involved in environmental protection activities?
I could see that uneducated people just throw plastic, bottles and and rubbish into the sea, rivers etc. and that is polluting the ocean.
Can you share some of the challenges and successes you’ve experienced in organizing beach cleanups?
Each week I am in charge of the beach clean up, and it is always so disappointing to see plastic buried in the sand, broken glass, and plastic particles from plastic bags. However, on a positive note, our students know the importance of keeping the environment clean, which is great, as they are the new generation.
‘Our students know the importance of keeping the beach clean … they are the new generation.’
– Mommy Sue
How do you engage the local community and get people involved with Trash Heroes?
We often get volunteers who join our clean-ups as they hear about what we are doing. Also, sometimes people see us and want to join and help.
How did you launch your environmental work?
It started with me deciding to join the organization Trash Heros, and just developed from there.
What positive changes have you observed in the community as a result of your initiatives?
Now the streets are cleaner, but there is still so much that needs to be done to teach people how to look after their environment.
Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?
I would like to let you know what a tremendous difference the Starboard POP program is making, and how important it is for it to continue. For sure, your Environmental Awareness programs and Livelihood programs must continue.
As you know I have been to Singaung and also Gyeiktaw to see your work in progress, which is making a huge difference. The way it has been organized is extremely good and teaching about the environment also.
Next month I would like you to come to our school to present again about what you are doing.
I would like to thank Mommy Sue for her time and unwavering commitment to such an important cause. Her dedication to providing free education and support to the community through Vera Thomson English School is truly admirable.
Mommy Sue’s passion and tireless efforts have undoubtedly made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
Her selflessness serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the profound impact that one person can have in creating positive change in the world.
