My name is Ka, and I come from Umphiem Refugee Camp on the Thailand–Myanmar border. I was born in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and grew up in a place where life was uncertain and access to education was limited.
As the oldest child in my family, I had to take on responsibility early. When my parents separated, I was only six years old. I grew up with my mother, who often had to leave for months at a time to work. By the age of twelve, I was already taking care of my younger sister with very little support, living in a small bamboo house.
Growing up in a refugee camp shaped the way I see the world. Many children around me were unable to continue their education, and opportunities were very limited. Despite this, I held on to one belief: education was my way forward. I believed that if I kept learning, I could change my future.
During high school, I began volunteering at the Umphiem Library with the Shanti Volunteer Association. I helped children who could not attend school and encouraged them to come to the library to learn. This was my first experience teaching, and it showed me how powerful education can be, even in difficult environments.
I completed my primary and secondary education in the refugee camp, where resources were limited, but my determination was strong. After high school, continuing my education was uncertain, but I did not give up. I was accepted into Minmahaw School, where I studied Post-Ten and later continued in the Teacher Education program.
During this time, I taught in rural communities and saw how deeply the lack of education affects children’s lives. This experience strengthened my commitment to becoming a teacher. I later joined the Minmahaw Higher Education Program to prepare for university.
About Ka
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Modern Management & Information Technology
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a teacher
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,475
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,475
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
Now, I am studying Modern Management and Information Technology at Chiang Mai University. Reaching this point has required hard work and sacrifice. I have supported myself by working as an online teacher, translator, and waitress while continuing my studies. These experiences have taught me independence, resilience, and responsibility.
At the same time, I continue to give back to my community. During my second-year summer break, I traveled to Karen State, where there was no electricity or internet, to teach English and IT literacy for one month. I loved teaching there, even though there were times we had to close the school because of airstrikes nearby. After returning, I worked as an interpreter between English and Thai for a few weeks to earn money for my tuition.
In my third year, I also volunteered as an English and IT literacy teacher at Ta’ang Arts Academy, teaching students from internally displaced communities in Shan State through online classes. Many of these students face challenges similar to mine, limited access to education and unstable living conditions. Through my teaching, I focus on practical skills that can help them in their daily lives and future opportunities.
My dream is to become a qualified teacher and improve access to education for children in refugee camps and conflict-affected areas. I want to use both education and technology to create better learning opportunities, support teachers, and help communities that lack resources. I believe that education should not depend on where someone is born.
However, I am now facing a critical challenge. In my final year, I am required to complete a full-time internship, which will prevent me from working and earning income. Without financial support, I may not be able to complete my degree. Coming from a refugee background with no stable financial support, continuing my education has become increasingly difficult.
Support from Zomia would allow me to complete my degree and continue the path I have worked so hard to build. More importantly, it would allow me to continue helping others. My goal is not only to succeed for myself but to return and support communities like the one I come from.
My life has shown me the impact that education can have, even in the most difficult circumstances. I want to make sure that other children have that same opportunity.
Written by Ka with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Ka
“I believe that education should not depend on where someone is born.”
