At Horizon Asia Educational Association (HAEA), we believe education is more than academics—it’s about equipping individuals with the tools to create a better future. This vision came alive through the efforts of our incredible volunteer, Bastiaan van Roekel, a financial advisor from the Netherlands. Bastiaan brought his expertise to Myanmar’s migrant community, delivering life-changing workshops on financial management tailored to their unique challenges.

Understanding the Community’s Struggles

Burmese migrants face a myriad of financial hurdles, including:

• Managing multiple loans
• Sending remittances from Thailand to Myanmar
• Navigating personal finances amidst economic uncertainty

With the support of Burmese-English speaking volunteers, Bastiaan developed workshops in the Myanmar language, ensuring accessibility and relevance. He spent time deeply understanding the community’s struggles to design solutions that resonated with their realities.

Financial Literacy in Action

Bastiaan’s workshops focused on empowering attendees with practical knowledge and actionable strategies. Participants learned essential financial skills, such as:

• Prioritizing debt repayment: Tackling the smallest loans first to build momentum.
• Avoiding hidden fees: Monitoring commissions on remittances and payments.
• Tracking expenses: Implementing simple tools to manage daily spending effectively.

The workshops were designed to be interactive, fostering dialogue and mutual support among participants.

Transforming Lives, One Workshop at a Time

The impact of Bastiaan’s efforts was clear from the success of the first workshop. Attendees walked away with a newfound sense of confidence and control over their finances. One participant shared:
“I never thought managing my expenses could be so simple. These steps give me hope for my family’s future.”

Building on this success, a second workshop is already in the pipeline. As Bastiaan continues his journey with HAEA, the ripple effects of his work promise to bring lasting benefits to Myanmar’s migrant community.

A Vision Beyond Academics

At Horizon Asia, we recognize that education must address the whole individual—empowering people with the skills they need to overcome barriers and thrive. Bastiaan’s work is a testament to this holistic approach. By bridging gaps in financial literacy, he’s not only alleviating immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for sustainable community growth.

Join Us in Creating Change

Bastiaan’s story is a shining example of how volunteers can make a profound difference in the lives of marginalized communities. Together, we can empower more individuals to achieve financial stability and brighter futures.

Volunteer with Horizon Asia or Donate today to support transformative initiatives like this one.

Let’s build a world where everyone has the tools to thrive!

#EmpowerThroughEducation #FinancialLiteracy #HorizonAsia #CommunityImpact