Myanmar has one of the highest rates of migration in Asia. An estimated 1 in 4 adults are migrant workers and more than 9 million people migrate from rural areas in Myanmar to work in towns, cities and border areas. Another 4 million people are working in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.
Despite this high level of migration, migrants and their families have limited information on the risks and opportunities of migration 鈥� often leaving their homes in rural areas with little more than a small amount of cash, a few possible job contacts and a dream for a better life.
Our Yay Kyi Yar (鈥淭owards clearer waters鈥�) project provides information on the risks and opportunities of migrating for work within Myanmar and internationally, so that potential migrants know their rights and can make informed decisions about whether migration is right for them.
In the first phase of the project (2016-18) we produced an informative and engaging weekly radio show - supported by engaging social media, digital content and outreach events - to share information and advice with audiences in Myanmar鈥檚 rural, urban and border areas and across the border in Thailand.
Using a mix of factual information, entertainment, expert and guest interviews, discussion, music, and storytelling, the weekly show provided an informative and inspirational window into the complex journey of migration and money. Listeners said Yay Kyi Yar helped them understand how to save money by providing step-by-step guidance. 71% of regular listeners reported feeling their knowledge of how to manage money had increased over the previous year, compared with 57% of non-listeners. You can find out more about the show's impact in our research briefing.
In 2019, the project entered its second phase - switching from radio to TV. Through a combination of televised panel debates and discussion shows, continued high-quality digital content, and media capacity strengthening to partners, we're building on the existing Yay Kyi Yar brand with a bigger focus on labour rights and migration.
Project information
| Project name | Yay Kyi Yar: Making the Most of Migration and Money |
| Funder | |
| Dates | 2016 - 2020 |
| Themes | Economic Security |
| Outputs |
Yay Kyi Yar ("Towards Clearer Waters") |
| Broadcast partners |
Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV), MAP Radio (Mae Sot) Thailand |