Mechanism of Change
For people who have survived conflict and displacement, hope is itself a political and therapeutic act. It is the precondition for agency, for connection, and for the willingness to engage in the difficult relational work of peacebuilding.
YayGyiYar’s programmes are designed not only to reduce harm but to actively cultivate hope — in individuals, in groups, and in communities. This is what we mean when we say we believe in the power of positive change.
HOW CHANGE HAPPENS.
We believe that when conflict-affected people have access to mental health support, safe spaces for dialogue, and practical skills for healthy communication and emotional regulation, they can strengthen their wellbeing and relationships.
Stronger relationships and shared resilience enable communities to address conflict in constructive ways. By supporting community-driven, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed processes, we contribute to lasting conflict transformation and more resilient communities.
YayGyiYar’s theory of change identifies changes that must occur at different levels for the desired change to be achieved. These levels include:
Network Level: Strengthened collaboration and capacity among organisations and communities.
Community Level: Relationship restoration, trust-building across divides, and collective resilience.
Systemic Level: Field-wide adoption of integrated approaches recognising the nexus between mental health and conflict transformation.
Change is not linear but needs to occur simultaneously across all levels. Networks enable individual and community change through resource sharing and capacity building. Individual wellbeing contributes to community restoration. Community strength feeds back into network vitality. Systemic changes create enabling conditions for all levels of work.
This multi-directional approach ensures that work at all levels shapes broader field development.
GET INVOLVED.
YayGyiYar is a collective, which means there is a place for you in it. Whether you are a practitioner, a researcher, a donor, a partner organisation, or someone who simply shares our belief that healing and peace belong together, we would love to hear from you.
Volunteer.
Join our volunteer network as a practitioner, researcher, facilitator, or supporter. Your skills and solidarity matter.
Partner with us.
We welcome partnerships with civil society organisations, academic institutions, and MHPSS practitioners and networks working in Myanmar or in the wider humanitarian, development and peace (HDP) field.
Support our work.
Donor support enables us to sustain and grow our network. Every contribution goes towards community programmes.
Get in touch.
Whether you have a question, a collaboration idea, or simply want to learn more, we would love to hear from you at [email protected]