Each year the Phan Foundation gives an award to a young Karen person who has done outstanding work helping their community. A $2,000 dollar grant is given towards the work of the winner.
The first Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader award was been given to Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo, a community worker in Kler Lwee Htu District, Karen State.
She was chosen for the award because of her strong and longstanding commitment in her selflessness community work, her outstanding leadership and dedication in fighting poverty, promoting education, promoting development, and preserving Karen culture.
“I am very pleased to be the first young person who receive the Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award,” said Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo. “I also believe that several young Karen’s were worthy of receiving this award as well.
“The award money that I get, I will use it for orphanage and poor children that I currently look after, and send them to school and I would like to expend my work in looking after poor children. I would like to encourage other young Karen to do more in serving our community and help develop our people.”
Zoya Phan, Director of the Phan Foundation, said; ”I am delighted that Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo has received this award. She is an outstanding young person who inspires others to help their communities. My father always encouraged young people like Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo, and I am pleased that her good example has received recognition.”
About Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo
Born 1983 Feb 18 in Ler Mu Plaw Village in Papun.
Mother: Naw Dah Lay, Father: Saw Ba Hla
She attended Htee Moo Kee High school (Kawthoolei school) and Mae Kaw Kah refugee camp post ten school.
She attended the New Generation training provided by Karen leaders and after she finished the course, she started working to serve Karen community in Kler Lwee Htu area. She is also working with the Karen Youth Organisation and Karen Women’s Organisation.
Details will be added soon on how the award money will be spent.