In planning my future, my mission is clear: to contribute to Myanmar‘s development, focusing on education, peace, and collaboration. Growing up in a family of five, with my parents serving as low-income civil servants, we were not financially comfortable. However, my parents worked tirelessly to support my siblings’ and my education.
I committed myself to making my parents proud and being a role model for my siblings, excelling academically and engaging in extracurricular activities. From high school events to representing Chin State at national competitions, these experiences helped me develop leadership and interpersonal skills.
Life after 2021 was devastating for many Myanmar citizens, as we faced fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of the February 2021 military coup.
My family lost our primary income sources when my parents left their jobs. My siblings and I had to abandon formal higher education as we relocated frequently for our safety. My father’s health deteriorated, adding to our struggles, but my parents consistently encouraged me to pursue my passions and remain hopeful amidst the chaos.
Despite the uncertainty, I pursued learning and community engagement. I took online courses in politics and diplomacy, preparing myself for future opportunities. In 2021, I co-founded Legacy Leavers, a youth group focused on raising funds and supporting positive change in Myanmar. My involvement as a teacher at a local orphanage and in leadership roles at AIESEC and Wedu highlighted my commitment to empowering others and fostering change.
Through these experiences, I realized that International Relations perfectly combines my interests in sociology, politics, and education. This led me to apply to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan, where I received an 80% tuition reduction scholarship.
About Jemimah
- Age: 20
- Ethnicity: Chin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Bachelor’s, International Relations
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Establish a youth organization to address information gaps in the Chin community
- Support my brother to study abroad
- Visit Spain
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,100
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,725
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
However, I still face financial challenges as my parents and relatives are unable to support my living expenses.
Looking ahead, I aspire to contribute to Myanmar’s development, particularly in education, peace, and collaboration. My goal is to establish a youth organization that addresses information gaps in the Chin community, promotes peace and justice, and builds international partnerships for sustainable development. By combining my academic knowledge, practical experience, and dedication to community development, I aim to play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Myanmar.
Written by Jemimah with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Jemimah
“My goal is to establish a youth organization that addresses information gaps in the Chin community, promotes peace and justice, and builds international partnerships for sustainable development”