A group calling itself One to One is trying to create employment opportunities for those who beg for money at Mandalay’s train station.
A leader of the organization, whose was identified as U One, told the Voice Weekly that there are more than 20 male and female panhandlers who depend on the goodwill of passersby at the station.
“They don’t want to work as beggars but they have to. We will find suitable jobs for them as some are disabled,” he was quoted as saying.
Two jobs have already been created, U One said. One person works for a lottery ticket vendor, while the other sells betel nut.
One of the panhandlers said: “I am begging as I have no other options. I arrived here after I sacrificed my legs in the army. I want a job. I am glad to know that they will help. I will work if I have to.”
The group is soliciting advice and suggestions on how to proceed. If interested, you can call this number (good idea to have a translator if you don’t speak Burmese) 09450095566 and 09450096655.
