THE Paungde Home for the Aged in Bago Division plans to open a museum after monsoon season to commemorate the home’s founder, Daw Oo Zonn.

Staff member U Thein Lwin said the museum would be aimed at honouring the woman who founded the home, as well as at marking the home’s 80th anniversary next year.

“We will also hold a series of festivals to mark the anniversary,” he said.
“Our home for the aged is not well known like Hninzigone in Yangon because of its out-of-the way location and because local residents, who are mostly farmers, can’t make donations to improve the facilities,” he said.

U Thein Lwin said the museum would raise the profile of the Paungde Home for the Aged, and would be helpful for raising funds.

The museum will be located in an old building where the home for the aged first opened in 1930. Although the building is being renovated, the original architectural style will be maintained, said U Thein Lwin.

The museum will contain mementos from Daw Oo Zonn’s life, including writings, photos, personal effects and a record of her charitable works.

Daw Oo Zonn came from a well-off family and was interested in humanitarian service. She opened five homes for the aged, in Paungde, Yangon, Mingun in Sagaing Division, Thaton in Mon State and Pakokku in Magwe Division.

She also provided elderly people with farmland and vehicles to help them earn money.

The home opened a charity hospital in 2007 in Paungde that provides healthcare to elderly people and other locals. However, the home for the aged still cares for 50 elderly residents.

Anyone who has mementos belonging to Daw Oo Zonn and who wants to donate to the museum can contact U Thein Lwin at (95-1) 709-191 or 09-50-75707.