Slone Phan, Director of the Phan Foundation and the youngest son of Padoh Mahn Sha said in the statement that the award launched in memory of his father, who was murdered in 2008, would continue. The award was set-up by the children of Padoh Mahn Sha Lar Phan, a former General Secretary of the Karen National Union, assassinated in February 2008.

“Through Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award, we are determined to carry on the legacy of our father to encourage more young people to take up distinctive leadership roles in their service to society,”

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 aged 35 or under. Any individual or organization can nominate, including its own members. Nominations should be sent to Nant Bwa Bwa Phan: [email protected]

The award winners will be honored with certificates of recognition for their work 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, Naw K’Nyaw Paw from the Karen Women’s Organisation in 2013, Naw Hsa Moo from the Karen Student Network Groups who is now working for the Karen Environment and Social Action Network and the latest winner was Sa Shine, a community worker in Hpa-an.
The winner of the award will be announced in early 2017.

The Phan Foundation was formed in February 14, 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.