Community Activities & Support

YPD Karenland plays a vital role in supporting internally displaced families who have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing conflict. Many have lost not only their houses and belongings, but also loved ones. To help them cope with these hardships, YPD Karenland provides essential relief items such as food, clothing, shelter materials, and other daily necessities needed for survival during emergencies. This assistance not only meets their immediate physical needs but also brings emotional comfort, reminding displaced communities that they are not facing these challenges alone.

In addition to emergency relief, YPD Karenland offers basic medical care to ensure that IDPs can maintain their health while living in unstable and difficult conditions. When individuals become sick or feel unwell, they can visit YPD-supported health services to check their condition and receive the necessary medicine. Through ongoing outreach and close collaboration with local leaders, YPD Karenland works to ensure that vulnerable families receive timely support, rebuild strength, and regain hope even in the most challenging circumstances.

To support the mental well-being of internally displaced communities, YPD Karenland visits IDP areas whenever possible to offer comfort, encouragement, and a sense of solidarity during difficult times. During those visits, the team engages families in activities that help reduce stress, such as games and interactive sessions, which provide emotional relief and a short break from their daily challenges. Basic necessities are also shared to help ease their immediate burdens.

Special attention is given to children through drawing activities, play sessions, and simple tools that help them feel cared for and emotionally supported. Team members listen to individuals one-on-one or in small groups, allowing them to express their worries and experiences. This creates a safe space where people can release emotional tension and feel understood. Through these conversations, YPD is able to show genuine support and identify further ways to assist. Coordination with local leaders and NGOs also ensures that families continue receiving care after each visit.

In addition to direct emotional support, YPD Karenland provides structured mental health and life skills sessions to help youth and community members cope more effectively with stress, fear, and trauma. These trainings offer practical tools for emotional regulation, problem-solving, and building inner resilience. Participants learn to reflect on their experiences, support one another, and strengthen their ability to navigate future challenges. By promoting emotional stability and personal growth, YPD empowers displaced individuals to regain confidence and move forward with hope and determination.

 

You can watch our activity video through the YouTube link provided below.

Organizing cultural performances is also one of YPD Karenland activities, including traditional dance, music, and storytelling, to preserve the identity and heritage of the Karen community. These events create joyful spaces for young people to express their talents and reconnect with their roots. Cultural activities also play an important role in strengthening unity, as they bring communities together to celebrate shared traditions. Through these performances, YPD Karenland nurtures cultural pride and helps ensure that Karen traditions continue to thrive across generations.

YPD Karenland actively creates and promotes traditional handicrafts, artworks, and locally made products as part of its community empowerment efforts. These items, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Karen people, include handwoven crafts, handmade decorations, and various forms of artwork created by youth members. Through these activities, YPD Karenland not only helps preserve cultural identity but also provides meaningful opportunities for young people to express their creativity and strengthen their skills.

In addition to crafts and artwork, YPD Karenland generates income through the sale of vegetables, eggs, snacks, and other locally produced items. These fundraising efforts play a vital role in supporting the organization’s ongoing programs and community outreach. The income earned helps sustain long-term initiatives, ensuring that YPD Karenland can continue offering educational programs, youth development training, and humanitarian services. This approach not only supports the organization but also encourages self-reliance within the community.

YPD Karenland works closely with village, township, and district leaders to ensure that community needs are heard and addressed effectively. By collaborating with local authorities and NGOs, the organization is able to share resources, coordinate activities, and deliver support more efficiently. These partnerships enhance transparency, build trust, and ensure that programs truly benefit the people they aim to serve. Through strong cooperation, YPD strengthens community networks and expands the reach of its development and humanitarian efforts.

The Annual Training and General Meeting gathers youth from various villages for a week of learning, reflection, and community building. The event is based on the “See, Judge, Act” approach, which teaches young people how to observe their community challenges, reflect on possible solutions, and take meaningful action. Participants engage in leadership workshops, life skills sessions, cultural performances, and planning meetings that shape the vision for the coming year. This annual gathering strengthens youth leadership, inspires positive change, and brings the community together in unity and purpose.