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Trauma rooted in conflict perpetuates cycles of violence.

At YayGyiYar Centre for Positive Change, we believe that addressing the impact of violence is fundamental. By addressing trauma, we can cultivate the social conditions where trust and hope can flourish.

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Our name derives from the Myanmar proverb

'ရေကြည်ရာ မြက်နုရာ'

“Yaygyi Yar myeq nu ya” embodying our commitment to renewal, purification, and community resilience.

Our Mission.

To build networks that strengthen and equip civil society organisations, networks, individuals, and communities through capacity building, collaboration, and research to promote community well-being and conflict transformation.

Our Mission.

Myanmar people flourishing together through meaningful connections, collaborative trust cultures, stronger relations, and collective resilience for shared well-being.

Our VALUE.

YayGyiYar’s six core values reflect feminist, queer, and decolonial traditions and inform both our programmatic work and our governance.

Our CORE Values.

YayGyiYar’s six core values reflect feminist, queer, and decolonial traditions and inform both our programmatic work and our governance.
  • Safety: We are committed to creating spaces free from harm where everyone can thrive.
  • Accountability: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.
  • Autonomy: We believe in empowering individuals and communities to make their own choices.
  • Collaboration: We recognise that addressing mental health challenges requires collective and interdisciplinary effort.
  • Creativity: We embrace innovation and fresh thinking in the work we do, and in the way we interact with people.
  • Learning: We believe that learning is a critical strategy for building evidence-based practice, fostering psychological safety, and innovative care for conflict-affected populations.

WHO WE ARE.

YayGyiYar is a non-profit organisation that advances mental wellbeing among conflict survivors by supporting them to unlock personal strength, foster a sense of purpose and build trusting personal connections.

We see our work as a contribution to a long-term social process with the aim of transforming relationships, structures, and cultures that create and sustain violence, ultimately fostering a more peaceful and supportive community for all individuals involved.

“Communities cannot transform conflict without first tending to the wounds it leaves behind.”

(David Bolton)

OUR STORY.

YayGyiYar was founded by two women, from  Myanmar and Mexico, who found each other across differences and decided to build something together to assist people that live in an unhealthy environment, so they raise awareness on the role played by behaviours, emotions and reactions and on how to prevent mental harm.  From opposite ends of the world, we believe that mental well-being and relation-based conflict transformation belong together.

YayGyiYar believes that wellbeing is not something we wait for. It is something we practice together, deliberately, even in conditions designed to make it seem impossible. For people who have survived conflict and displacement, choosing wellbeing is itself an act of courage and resistance.

WHAT WE DO.

Our main objective is for conflict-affected people to flourish through improved mental well-being, strong relationships, and shared resilience. We support access to integrated mental health services and promote healthy communication and emotional regulation. Our approach is community-driven, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed.

Addressing the impact of conflict requires transforming relationships, structures, and cultures that create and sustain violence. Rather than just “solving” conflict, we want to transform it.

Photo credit: Miri Hauertmann

OUR THREE PILLARS OF WORK.

Building Networks & Practices.

We strengthen networks of MHPSS and conflict transformation practitioners through training, peer supervision, and capacity building. We offer workshops on trauma-informed practice, communication skill, and community trust-building.

Safer Spaces for Individuals, Groups & Communities.

We co-create safer spaces for individuals, groups, and communities through somatic therapies, art and theater, yoga, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and restorative circles.

Research & Knowledge Building.

We co-create knowledge with communities and partners, building resources, living curricula, and cross-regional learning exchanges between organisations with conflict-survivor expertise.

A Collective Powered by Solidarity.

We are a collective. Our work is made possible by networks of solidarity: practitioners, researchers, and community members who give their time because they believe, as we do, that things can be different. We build networks and collaborations among individuals and MHPSS service providers. Together, we become energised, learn skills, grow, connect, rest, and find the support to go and serve conflict-affected communities.

Communities We Serve.

  • Organisations and networks directly working with conflict-affected populations
  • Women, men, youth, and LGBTQ+ individuals
  • MHPSS and peacebuilding practitioners and networks

Our Network.

We do not work alone. YayGyiYar is embedded in a growing network of civil society and humanitarian organisations, including MHPSS service providers, education and academic partners, and community groups working at the intersection of mental health and peacebuilding. Our cross-regional approach connects practitioners across countries in genuine knowledge exchange — not one-way knowledge transfer.

Addressing the impact of conflict requires transforming relationships, structures, and cultures that create and sustain violence. Rather than just “solving” conflict, we want to transform it.

Photo credit: Miri Hauertmann