My name is Plo Htoo. I am writing to tell you about a relief mission that I have just returned where villages in Karen State were being attacked by Burma Army soldiers. I am also writing to personally ask for your help.

During my recent visit, I saw for myself the total devastation caused by the attacks which started here in January of this year. I met some of the 3000 people who have lost their homes and possessions and even mourned with families of those whose loved one had been killed. Can you imagine the loss these people feel?

The moment we first heard about the attacks, we decided to send a relief team straight to the area. Because of generous people like you we were able to immediately buy supplies to take in, including rice. Within 24 hours we were packed up and ready to begin the 4 day trek into Burma’s jungles to the area where we knew there were already over 1000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in hiding. Because we cannot use vehicles past the border, we had to carry the supplies in. Often this meant carrying supplies on our backs as well as using donkeys.

The moment we first heard about the attacks, we decided to send a relief team straight to the area. Because of generous people like you we were able to immediately buy supplies to take in, including rice. Within 24 hours we were packed up and ready to begin the 4 day trek into Burma’s jungles to the area where we knew there were already over 1000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in hiding. Because we cannot use vehicles past the border, we had to carry the supplies in. Often this meant carrying supplies on our backs as well as using donkeys.

On the last night of our hike we rested in a village that was in a valley with a cold rocky stream flowing past. We tied up our hammocks and tried to get some rest before reaching the first villagers the next day. However, we were woken at midnight by the sound of three rounds of gun-fire. We quickly packed up our supplies and regrouped. We were on our way again in the pitch black as it was too dangerous to use a torch. After 4 days of walking, we finally reached the beautiful Ler Doh Township where we could start the distribution of supplies. When the Burma Army attacks a village, they leave nothing untouched. As the people flee, rice barns, houses and personal belongings are destroyed.

Then landmines are placed around the village to stop the people from returning.

As well as delivering emergency supplies, Partners is also helping villages in Karen State to be prepared in advance for such an attack. The first group of villagers I met had been able to reach some hidden supplies of rice that we had stored underground before the attacks. This meant some women were cooking breakfast, which would probably be their only meal for the whole day. It isn’t safe to stay in the same place for too long, so the people move on day after day. Some of the older villagers have trouble walking and so need help. I carried one old woman on my back for a day. I didn’t mind, she weighed a lot less than my usual rucksack!

I am writing today because it is so important that we continue to help get rice and medical supplies into this area, and many others like it which have been under attack. Without food the villagers will have little strength to run and will be more vulnerable to abuses by the Burma Army. Children are especially at risk.

Here is just how far your support will go:

• Just £5 will help us provide enough rice for 1 person for a month.
• £25 will pay for a family’s rice supply for a month.
• £50 will pay for enough rice for a community for a day immediately after an attack.

Click here to provide rice now.

The gift of rice will save lives. That is why I am asking that you consider making a donation today to help us continue this work.

Please partner with me in getting these supplies to people who desperately need our help.

Thank you for reading this message.

Many Blessings,

Plo Htoo
P.S. Even though these relief trips are tiring, I have to keep going while my people are under attack by the Burma Army. Your gift today will enable me to directly give rice and other supplies to people who have been forced from their homes.

We call him ‘Disco Boy’. He is one of many children at Paw Ju’s child hostel in Mae La refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border.

I visited Paw Ju and her husband recently. During an impromptu sing-song, Disco Boy came and joined in the fun.

The link to his recorded debut is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNi3uRCSXw8.

I hope this brings a smile to your face.

Disco Boy’s father died of a drug overdose when he was born and his mother was imprisoned for drug use (now presumed dead). Disco Boy has been with Paw Ju since he was 6 months old.

Over the past several years, we’ve helped him through various medical challenges – fungal and bacterial infections – and have carefully looked after him.

As well, we have had a whale of a time making him giggle.

- Sarah Armitage, Partners UK