I am Thi Thi, a final-year Bachelor of Science in Social Enterprise Management student from the Cooperative University of Myanmar. I was born in a small village in Yangon, Myanmar, and my parents still live there. The financial situation of my family became challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, as my father was the sole earner and my mother was suffering from cancer. With four siblings to support, it became difficult for my family to finance my education. The political situation in Myanmar made it harder still, and I was unable to graduate. Following the coup, my family’s situation worsened.
In 2022, my sister secured a job in Chiang Mai and brought me along. I relocated there in October 2022, uncertain about what lay ahead but determined to pursue my dreams.
I obtained legal status in Thailand and began working as an intern at the Inclusive Education Foundation (InEd), which gave me valuable insight into the education sector and the struggles faced by vulnerable communities in the Thai-Myanmar border area. I then worked as a teaching assistant intern at the School of Governance and Public Administration Program at Thabyay Education Foundation, an experience that exposed me to diverse groups and strengthened my leadership skills.
Witnessing the difficulties faced by children in conflict zones and border regions ignited my passion for advocating for the rights of migrants. I also served as a young researcher at the Institute for Strategy and Policy, Myanmar, conducting monthly surveys on socio-economic conditions during the dual crises in my township. I volunteered as a teacher for children displaced by the war in the Shan State IDP camp, providing emotional support and education during a difficult period.
About Thi Thi
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Hindi
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- IPB University
- Bachelor’s, Social Enterprise Management
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Learn to speak more languages
- Explore Asia and Europe
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,850
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,750
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In School
My dream is to contribute to the rebuilding of Myanmar by applying the knowledge and skills I gain at Chiang Mai University. My focus will be on community development, sustainable infrastructure, and the protection of natural resources. I want to foster economic growth while preserving our ecological balance, and to ensure that the communities most affected by crisis have a voice in shaping what comes next.
Through my journey, I have encountered diverse groups of people and developed leadership and communication skills that I believe are essential for driving meaningful change. I am eager to continue my studies at Chiang Mai University and to use what I learn to help rebuild my country.
Written by Thi Thi with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Thi Thi
“Witnessing the difficulties faced by children in conflict zones and border regions ignited my passion for advocating for the rights of migrants.”
