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Summer 2026 AFE: Aye Htut Mo Mo MIDP'27

 August 3, 2026

Aloha: Learning, Living, and Working from the Field – My Applied Field Experience in Maui, Hawai'i

By Aye Htut Mo Mo MIDP’27

This article was originally published on the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center site as part of the Summer 2026 AFE Blog.

 

After nearly a decade of working with international development agencies (commonly referred to as “donors” in the development sector), I decided that this summer internship would be different. Rather than staying on the donor side, I wanted to experience what it truly means to work at the field level and learn directly from the communities we aim to serve.

It was not an easy decision. I respectfully declined internship opportunities with international organizations based in Washington, D.C., and New York—a choice that many people might question. Looking back, however, I know I made the right decision.

My Applied Field Experience (AFE) this summer is with Maui United Way (MUW), an organization that has served the communities of Maui County, including Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, since 1945. Its vision statement immediately caught my attention: “By honoring our past and respecting our diverse culture, we are creating a thriving community of opportunity united by aloha for all.”

The moment I read these words, they deeply resonated with me. They reflect not only the values of Maui United Way but also my lifelong commitment to my home country — Myanmar. Myanmar is rich in cultures and ethnic diversity, yet it has been torn apart by decades of civil war and conflict. Like Maui United Way’s vision, I believe in honoring our diverse identities, finding common ground, creating opportunities for everyone, and building a future where people can live together in peace. That shared vision of unity, inclusion, and opportunity is one of the reasons I knew Maui United Way was the right place for my Applied Field Experience.

One of the things that has impressed me most is the unwavering commitment of the Maui County Government to supporting its diverse communities while embracing the spirit of ‘ohana — the Hawaiian word for family. The partnership between the County Government and community organizations demonstrates how government and civil society can work together to create lasting, community-centered solutions.

One example is the ALICE Kamaʻāina Credit Initiative, a $12 million program implemented by Maui United Way and fully funded by the Maui County Government. The program supports working households that are employed but still struggle to meet the cost of living.

Group of people standing behind a table under a tent at a fair.
Community Service Day with the Rotary Club Members.

If you are wondering what ALICE Kamaʻāina means, ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, households that earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford necessities. Kamaʻāina, meaning “child of the land,” is commonly used to refer to a resident of Hawaiʻi. Together, the name reflects the program’s commitment to supporting local families who are the heart of the Maui community.

My internship began in May during the planning phase of this initiative. As a Program Development Coordinator, I have worked closely with the Program Development Director throughout the program design process. My responsibilities include collecting, updating, and analyzing ALICE household data across Maui County, as well as examining benefit cliffs, assessing the impacts of inflation and job security, developing the program’s risk register, and supporting overall risk management. This data-driven approach helps identify which ALICE households would benefit the most, ensuring that limited resources can create the greatest possible impact.

Another important project I had the opportunity to support is partnership mapping. Through our analysis, we identified childcare and housing as the two largest financial burdens facing ALICE households. We then mapped community organizations whose services could help reduce those costs and strengthen the long-term impact of the initiative. It reminded me that sustainable solutions are built not only through funding, but also through collaboration.

Working on partnership mapping also gave me one of the greatest gifts of this experience: the opportunity to meet local organizations and, more importantly, listen to the people they serve. Beyond the data and program planning, I heard residents’ stories, learned about their everyday challenges, and witnessed the resilience and strength of the Maui community.

One experience that will stay with me was visiting Maui Rapid Response (MRR). Witnessing the team’s unwavering commitment to Maui’s most vulnerable communities, their genuine care for people, and their deep love for the ʻāina (land) was truly inspiring. Their work reminded me that resilient communities are built through compassion, trust, and people showing up for one another.

Four people posing for a photo together. Image on right is a student standing next to a sign with text that says: MRR open.
Site visit to MRR.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Kawehi Kina, a Native Hawaiian and Community Program Manager at Maui Food Bank. Through our conversation, I learned about the incredible impact of the Food Bank’s programs in addressing food insecurity across Maui County. Kawehi’s positive energy, passion, and unwavering dedication to serving her ʻohana while protecting her ʻāina deeply inspired me. She embodies the spirit of aloha through action, and meeting leaders like her has been one of the highlights of my Applied Field Experience.

Two people posing for a photo in front of a food bank sign. Five people standing together with hands making thumbs up gesture.
With Kawehi Kina, a Native Hawaiian and Community Program Manager at Maui Food Bank.

Another incredible part of my AFE has been connecting with the Rotary family in Hawaiʻi. Learning about Rotary’s “Service Above Self” philosophy and seeing its impact across Maui and beyond has been both inspiring and humbling. I would especially like to thank Laura Stanton from the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset. Through her kindness, I had the opportunity to attend the “All Island Induction of Officers Event” on June 28, where I met Rotary leaders from across Hawaiʻi and had a meaningful conversation with District Governor Benson Medina. Being welcomed into the Rotary community and participating in service activities has truly been another blessing during my time in Maui.

Student poses with two people for a photo.
With Rotary Hawai’i District Governor Benson Medina and Laura.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Foundation, the Duke–UNC Rotary Peace Center (especially Jon and Tom), and the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, particularly the Career Services team and Kristen Aquilino. Your encouragement and support made my dream Applied Field Experience a reality.

As I write this blog at 5:30 in the evening, sitting by the ocean and watching the waves roll in, I find myself reflecting on how fortunate I have been. This experience has allowed me to learn from local civil society organizations, Native Hawaiian leaders, and the diverse communities that work together to protect their culture, their land, and one another. It has also reminded me how powerful cultural exchange can be, and how grateful I am to Rotary for making this journey possible.

Beach in Maui. Text in center says: Maui is beautiful.
Beautiful beaches of Maui.

Before I finish, here are a few fun facts!

Although my full name is Aye Htut Mo Mo, most people simply call me “Mo Mo”. Coincidentally, there is a coffee shop in Maui called MoMoNa, so naturally it became my favorite place to enjoy a good cup of coffee. I’ve also fallen in love with Maui’s famous shave ice, delicious gelato, breathtaking beaches, and the incredible beauty of this island. These simple moments have made my summer here even more unforgettable.

Cup of shaved ice on a table. Two hands holding cups of gelato.
Shave ice and gelato.

Mahalo (Thank you), Maui.

 

References: 

 

Aye Htut Mo Mo is an accomplished international development and peacebuilding professional from Myanmar, with over a decade of cross-sector experience. She has served with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), while also actively engaging in grassroots and volunteer initiatives focused on social resilience and community empowerment. Her expertise spans conflict resolution, rule of law, education, and psychosocial support—particularly for peacebuilders, teachers, soldiers, and families affected by the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.

As a Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Fellow in the Master of International Development Policy program at Duke University, she is committed to deepening her knowledge of sustainable peacebuilding strategies and advancing development solutions that can bring lasting stability to Myanmar and beyond.

Categories

MIDP/Students, Rotary Peace Center