My name is Ze Lum, from Myitkyina, Northern Kachin State, Myanmar. I come from an extended family of 13 members. Among six siblings, I am the fourth child. For generations, my family has worked as farmers and mechanics to support our extended family. Raised in a Christian community, I learned the values of teaching, serving, and healing from an early age. Although my parents did not finish high school, they value education and always encouraged us to pursue higher education. Their values and expectations have strongly shaped my character and continue to guide my goals today.
From 2009 to 2020, I studied at No. 1 Basic Education High School in Myitkyina and passed the matriculation exam with four distinctions. Before COVID-19 and the military coup, I was planning to attend medical university in Myanmar. My plans changed, and I decided not to apply to any government universities in Myanmar.
In 2021, I joined a pre-diploma course at Naushawng College, which offered civic education and academic English. The school was created to bridge gaps and build educational opportunities for Kachin young people who could go on to transform their communities. During this program, civic education strengthened my desire to serve my community. I continued on to a one-year diploma course in Educational Studies. Through courses in teaching methods, children’s psychology, philosophy, and general education, the program helped me realize that education is among the keys to transforming lives.
After completing my diploma studies, I worked as a science teacher at the Critical Learning Center (CLC) in Waing Maw, Kachin State. There, I taught young students, including refugee students whose education had been disrupted by conflict and displacement. Teaching at CLC was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Despite limited resources, seeing my students’ progress and curiosity, especially through an ecosystem project at the science fair, strengthened my commitment to building a brighter future for them.
About Ze Lum
- Age: 22
- Ethnicity: Kachin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Asia-Pacific International University
- Bachelor’s, Biology
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a lab scientist
- Spend more time in nature
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,400
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,400
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
This experience inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Bioscience with an emphasis in Biology at Asia Pacific International University in Thailand, so I could become a science teacher myself.
Moreover, the civil war that has continued in Kachin State since 2011 has displaced many families and limited educational opportunities for young people for over a decade. As the number of refugees has grown, many face difficulties around food and livelihood. Because of these conditions and limited development in the region, many young people do not continue their education, and instead focus only on earning money to support their families.
Through the voices of many of my friends and students, I witnessed how conflict, poverty, and displacement kept promising young people from continuing their education. Some were forced to leave school at a young age to support their families instead of pursuing their dreams. Seeing this strengthened my belief that education is one of the most effective ways to create positive change and offer hope to young people facing adversity.
Since 2021, ongoing conflict and new mandatory service requirements have made staying in Myanmar increasingly difficult for people like me, and I decided to move to Thailand for a safer environment where I could continue pursuing higher education. Although studying in a foreign country is extremely demanding, my parents have tried to support me as much as they can.
Alongside my studies, I believe strongly in helping others find their own pathways and opportunities. I actively share educational opportunities with students from my community, including scholarship information, university admissions guidance, and other resources. I believe this kind of access can open doors and create real chances for them.
My journey has been shaped by faith, service, and education. Although I have faced many challenges, my experiences have strengthened my determination to keep learning and helping others. Through higher education, I hope not only to build my own future, but also to contribute to the development of my community and create opportunities for others.
Written by Ze Lum with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Ze Lum
“Education is one of the most effective ways to create positive change and provide hope for young people from facing adversities.”
