My name is Saw. I was born into a family of farmers and raised by my mother after my father passed away when I was just one year old. Life presented many challenges, but my mother’s unwavering support gave me the strength to overcome them. From a young age, I dreamed of creating a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to quality healthcare. This dream became the foundation of my academic and professional journey.
Motivated by this vision, I worked diligently throughout high school and achieved distinctions in all subjects on the matriculation exam in Myanmar, earning admission to the University of Medicine. My academic success also qualified me for financial support from the Pyay Ti Oo Foundation. While this grant helped sustain my education, it could not cover all of my expenses, so I worked as a study guide throughout my medical training, balancing academics with financial responsibilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on my life and career goals. When universities closed, I volunteered at Matthew Christian Clinic in my hometown, helping organize a medical mission providing essential treatment and life-saving services to underserved communities. This hands-on experience deepened my belief in the transformative power of healthcare.
Later, amid political unrest in Myanmar, I volunteered with the Karen Department of Health and Welfare. As a member of the Rural Febrile Illness Project, I worked with a research team collecting data from over 500 villages to improve healthcare access in rural areas. I developed skills in research, data collection, and problem-solving that I hope to carry throughout my career.
I was accepted into the Environmental Health program at Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand. I chose this field because I am deeply concerned about how living environments influence public health, and I want to integrate my medical background with environmental health to address urgent issues caused by pollution, climate change, and unsafe living conditions.
About Saw
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Environmental Health
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an environmental lab technician
- Visit Switzerland
- Raise awareness about environmental health risks in Myanmar
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,600
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,575
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Access to clean air, safe drinking water, and nutritious food are basic human rights that directly affect quality of life. In Myanmar, especially in conflict-affected areas, many communities face serious challenges, including inadequate access to clean water and poor sanitation. I see a critical need to improve water systems, prevent contamination, and build infrastructure that can withstand the increasing impact of climate change.
I also plan to develop community health education initiatives that raise awareness about environmental health risks and empower local people to reduce them. By involving communities in the process, we can promote ownership, build resilience, and achieve sustainable outcomes.
My future plans are rooted in using my education in environmental health to improve public health and protect the environment in Myanmar. I am committed to making a meaningful impact — one that honors my mother’s sacrifices, uplifts vulnerable communities, and contributes to a healthier, more equitable future for my country.
Written by Saw with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Saw
“Access to clean air, safe drinking water, and nutritious food are basic human rights that directly affect quality of life. I am committed to making a meaningful impact for the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar.”
Saw
“I am committed to making a meaningful impact — one that honors my mother’s sacrifices, uplifts vulnerable communities, and contributes to a healthier, more equitable future for my country.”