“To make a difference, start by changing yourself. To help others, first improve yourself and understand them.”
Growing up in a small village nestled between Karen State and Mon State in Myanmar, I witnessed the harsh realities of rural life from an early age. Families in our community relied on income earned through migrant labor in Thailand to make ends meet. Poverty, coupled with limited access to education and opportunities, seemed to be the prevailing narrative. My parents’ unwavering determination to create a better future for our family served as a beacon of hope.
My name is KT, and I am passionate about helping migrants access higher education and safe migration pathways. Coming from a family where both parents lacked formal education and my siblings worked as migrant laborers, I understood the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Despite graduating from Mawlamyine University in 2015 and moving to Yangon in pursuit of better opportunities, I found myself earning a meager salary at a local computer shop that barely covered our basic needs. I remained determined to improve myself and uplift my community. Through engagement with Mon civil society organizations and participation in educational initiatives such as the English Immersion Program and the EarthRights International School program, I honed my skills in community development, research, and advocacy. These experiences broadened my horizons and instilled a profound sense of purpose.
My passion for education deepened through these experiences, and I became committed to supporting fellow migrant students. The 2021 coup and the COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the urgent need for accessible education in rural and migrant communities, where limited electricity and internet access create formidable barriers for young people seeking to study.
About KT
- Age: 32
- Ethnicity: Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
- Master’s, English Language Studies
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Establish a school in the Gyaing River area
- Become a freelance trainer
- Hike the world!
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,275
- Amount Left To Fund: $0
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: Repaid in Full
Quotable
What Others Are Saying About KT
As someone who has faced these obstacles firsthand, I am determined to address the educational disparities in my community. Establishing a community school is not just about academic instruction — it’s about creating a supportive environment where underprivileged youth can thrive despite the odds. Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right that every child deserves.
To realize this vision, I have embarked on a journey to further my own education. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in English Language Studies at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills to effect meaningful change. However, I face financial challenges in covering my tuition for the next two semesters, and my family cannot make up the difference.
With Zomia’s support, I hope to complete my degree and take a tangible step toward empowering young people in Myanmar, helping to break the cycle of poverty and open pathways to a more promising future for our communities.
Written by KT with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
KT
“Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right that every child deserves.”
Naw Nu Nu Wah – BEAM Education Foundation, Program Coordinator
“KT is a hardworking woman whose dedication and volunteer experience in her community demonstrate her commitment to helping others and honing her teaching and research skills. I am proud to work with her, as her good personality and sense of humor make those around her feel at ease.”