When two powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar in March last year, killing more than 3,500 people and affecting more than 17 million, already vulnerable communities were pushed to the brink. Schools were disrupted, social networks fractured, and those most at risk — including girls and young people with disability — were further marginalised.

ChildFund’s Youth for Youth (Y4Y) program is working to change that. By building life skills, confidence and connection, the program is equipping young people to lead in their own communities. Through training in leadership, social and emotional skills, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, disability inclusion and disaster risk reduction, young people are stepping into roles as peer educators and advocates — supporting each other and driving locally led change.

Sixteen-year-old Zin (*pseudonym) joined the program after struggling with her emotions and feeling unheard at home. Through Y4Y’s training, she gained confidence, built new skills and began applying them in her daily life. Zin serves as the Secretary of her local youth group, where she handles action plans, manages money and leads fundraising.

She uses what she learned to run peer education sessions—including outreach for youth with disabilities—to organize neighborhood cleanups. By getting parents on board and helping neighbors prepare for seasonal disasters like flooding, Zin has become a trusted young leader in her neighborhood.

Zin is participating in the environmental cleanups across her ward, school, and local religious compounds during her out-of-school time. She also leads awareness sessions for her peers while regularly volunteering at local social and religious events.

Her mother has witnessed the transformation.

"Before the project, I was worried that something would happen to her, but now I feel safe," her mother said. "My daughter is now like an adult, even in terms of speech."