Growing up in a rural area with limited access to quality education, I faced numerous obstacles that shaped my identity and aspirations. Unlike many children in my community, whose parents prioritized jobs and money over education, I was fortunate to have a father who emphasized the importance of learning. He instilled in me the belief that education is the most powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges.
Our lives took a devastating turn when my father suffered a stroke. The joyful atmosphere in our home transformed into one filled with sorrow. Adding to the hardship, my mother abandoned us, leaving behind four children and a disabled husband. Uncertainty loomed over us, and we felt lost. Yet my father’s determination gave us hope. Through sheer willpower and relentless effort, he gradually regained his mobility with the help of a walking stick. His resilience and love kept us going.
To secure a better future and ensure we could receive an education, my father made the difficult decision to move our family to Mae La refugee camp in 2008, on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Despite the hardships, I am grateful for the opportunities the camp provided, particularly in education.
I completed my studies at Eden Valley Academy, located within the camp, and graduated from Grade 12. I then volunteered for a year as a teacher, motivated by my own early experiences of limited access to learning.
In 2019, my father suffered another stroke, leaving him permanently paralyzed and mentally impaired. My brothers had to drop out of school to find work and support the family. I took on odd jobs, including electronic device repair, and began working at a community rehabilitation camp run by the Humanity and Inclusion organization, which assisted people with disabilities. This work deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and helped me care for my father at the same time.
About James
- Age: 29
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Siam University
- Bachelor’s, Information Technology
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a database administrator and IT manager
- Visit Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,450
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,225
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Throughout this journey, my fascination with technology grew stronger. My exposure to electronic devices during high school sparked a keen interest in Information Technology, and I became determined to pursue higher education in the field despite the obstacles I faced.
My background and experiences have shaped me into a resilient and driven individual. I am ready to seize every opportunity to further my education and make a lasting impact on my community. I hope to inspire others to overcome their own challenges and to help break the cycle of limited access to education that has defined so many lives in communities like mine.
Written by James with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
James
“My father reassured us that he would not let us go hungry as long as he was alive. His resilience and love kept us going.”
Naw Mu Paw Htay, Teacher at Minmahaw Higher Education Program
“James is a reliable, honest, and self-motivated student with a positive attitude toward learning. He has a clear goal of what he wants to become. He is also exceptionally patient.”