Chawsu

Chawsu is the kind of person who gives half of her cup of rice to others. She loves sharing – food, knowledge, and smiles. That’s why working for Shade Tree Foundation seems like a blessing to her.

Born in Bago, Myanmar, Chawsu’s parents died when she was young. After that her older brother took care of her, but there wasn’t enough money for her to attend school anymore.  Chawsu moved to Thailand in 2010, looking for a job. In Mae Sot, she worked in agriculture for a while. But when her family started having some financial problems, she decided to borrow money to start a business supplying families in her remote community with boxes of groceries at bulk prices, delivered to their door.

That’s how she met Aaron, whom she deeply appreciates for his trustworthiness and care for others. The Charis Project approved her business loan.

Chawsu then started doing small jobs for the Charis office. She became a full-time employee in 2017. She was first part of the Family Rescue Team and was very happy that she has the chance to distribute food to people in need, encourage families, give counsel and suggestions. But once she moved to the Family Enterprise team she really began to shine. Chawsu is a natural entrepreneur who has started and run several successful micro businesses. Now she gets to teach other families about how to save, invest in businesses, and coach savings groups.

Another thing Chawsu likes is that, after she received training from STF on parenting, she realized hitting children is not the best way to educate them. She changed how she parents her own two daughters, and now she shares this information with other parents and families she encounters in the community.

Growing up with only her brother, Chawsu learned how hard it is to not have parents around, to not have anyone bringing food when she was hungry. So now she is working to fix this for other children. “I want to put my mind and soul into helping families in crisis.”

We are very thankful to have such a dedicated, active, patient woman on our team.