The Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award is given annually to Karen community workers who work in health, education, social or cultural areas. According to the Foundation’s criteria, nominees should be Karen under 35, nominations should include name, place, field of work and why they should be awarded the Young Leader Award. Any individual or organization can make the nomination.

The award was set-up by the children of Padoh Mahn Sha Lar Phan, a former General Secretary of the Karen National Union, who was assassinated in February 2007.

Saw Say Say Phan, Director of the Phan Foundation and eldest son of Padoh Mahn Sha said in a media statement:

“The Phan Foundation has recognised several remarkable young leaders who have contributed so much for the community and for the development of our people. This award is one of the ways we are keeping the memory of our father alive and to carry on his dream to see freedom for his people.”

The award winners will be honored with certificates of recognition for their good works and a grant of USD $2,000.

Previous winners of the award were Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo from Kler Lwee Htu District in 2008, Saw Nyunt Win from Mutraw District in Karen State in 2009, Naw December Paw from Tenasserim Division in 2010, Saw Htoo Htoo Eh, from the Free Burma Rangers in 2011, Nant Thandar Aung from Karen Women Empowerment Group in 2012, and the latest Naw K’Nyaw Paw from the Karen Women’s Organisation in 2013.

Saw Say Say Phan told Karen News that they will chose the young Karen leader most deserving of the award.

“Since the award is given to honor young Karen people working for their people, we will choose the person who is striving hard for their people.”

The winner of the award will be announced in early 2015.

The Phan Foundation was formed on 14th February 2008 by the four children of Mahn Sha Lah Phan; Saw Say Say Phan, Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, Nant Zoya Phan and S’ Lote Phan in memory of their mother, Nant Kyin Shwe and father, Mahn Sha Lah Phan.