WHO WE ARE

Saya Foundation is a Foundation of Teachers for Teachers to nurture teachers as compassionate life-long learners who will “nurture compassionate life-long learners”! We are a group of dedicated teachers and trainers who love teaching, who believe in the power of life-long learning and compassion. We are here to provide necessary information and support to anyone who are passionate about teaching and learning.

Our Vision

An equitable society where every child in Myanmar has access to safe, inclusive, and quality education

Our Mission 

Saya Foundation is dedicated to transforming education in Myanmar by:

  • Providing technical support through training, mentoring, and coaching.
  • Developing and sharing educational resources.
  • Offering material and financial support to educators and learners.
  • Conducting evidence-based advocacy for safe and inclusive education.
  • Collaborating and networking with schools, communities, and stakeholders.
  • Raising public awareness to build stronger, more supportive learning environments. 

Our Values 

At Saya Foundation, our values guide us in nurturing compassionate lifelong learners and building an equitable, inclusive society through education.

  • Learning & Sharing – We grow from experiences and share knowledge to uplift others.
  • Professionalism – We act with accountability, integrity, and responsibility.
  • Compassion – We lead with empathy and prioritize dignity and well-being.
  • Inclusivity & Respect – We value diversity and create supportive, welcoming spaces.
  • Collaboration – We believe in collective effort for greater impact.
  • Honesty & Transparency – We build trust through openness and ethical conduct.
  • Agility – We adapt with creativity and resilience to meet challenges.
  • Ownership – We promote shared responsibility and self-leadership.
  • Balance – We value both service and well-being for sustainable impact.

Who Are in Saya?

Youth: The Next Generation of Changemakers

At Saya, young people are not just participants—they are changemakers. Through our internship programs and mentorship circles, they gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and prepare for their future careers. Many of our youth interns continue on as team members, helping to shape projects that benefit their own communities.

Communities: Voices That Matter

We work in underserved areas where access to education and support can be limited. Many of our team members come from these same communities, bringing lived experience, resilience, and empathy into their work. By walking alongside them, we ensure our programs are rooted in real needs and create lasting change.

Women and Mothers: Strength at the Heart of Communities

We believe that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. As a women-led organization, with over 80% of our team being women, we are deeply committed to uplifting women and girls across Myanmar and beyond.
Many of our women colleagues are also mothers, balancing professional responsibilities with the important role of raising children. Some return to work after career breaks, while others take on leadership positions for the first time. At Saya, they find a safe, supportive space where their voices are heard, their growth is celebrated, and their leadership is nurtured.
Our commitment to women extends beyond our own team. We work alongside mothers in schools and communities, ensuring that their perspectives guide the way we design learning, wellbeing, and inclusion programs.

Why We Work at Saya—and Why We Stay

People join Saya Foundation because they believe education opens doors to opportunity, inclusion, and wellbeing. They stay because Saya is more than a workplace—it is a community where growth, compassion, and resilience are lived every day. Here, people rediscover their purpose, build confidence, and know their work creates impact far beyond themselves.

“Saya gave me confidence to speak up and share my ideas. Now I help other young people in my community to feel the same.”

Youth participant

“Before joining Saya, I struggled with self-doubt… The Saya team welcomed me with open arms. They gave me space to learn, grow, and find my footing again.”

Saya team member

“Saya helped me see that being a mother and being a professional are not separate roles—I can be both, and I can lead with confidence.”

Saya mother-educator

“Working with Saya showed us that training alone is not enough. Their whole-school support model brought principals, parents, and teachers together, and that made real change possible.”

Partner organization leader

“With continuous mentorship and a nurturing environment, I slowly aligned my work with my passions and expertise. Now, I feel proud knowing that my work contributes to the wellbeing of teachers and children.”

Saya team member