I was raised by a widowed mother with two children in Kachin State, Myanmar, and I belong to an ethnic minority group that has suffered from civil war for decades. Due to the conflict, many key areas of the state were left in shambles.
Despite coming from a financially struggling family, my mother supported me in moving to Yangon after my second year of university, where more educational opportunities were available than anywhere else in Myanmar. When I arrived, I witnessed firsthand the gap between urban and rural areas. Opportunities were concentrated in just a few major cities. As many people migrated to Yangon in search of work, the city grew rapidly, while those in rural areas, even university graduates, were often forced to leave Myanmar and work as general laborers in countries like Thailand, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The reality was harsh: local jobs were poorly paid, and making ends meet was nearly impossible. Rather than contributing to the development of their own country, many Myanmar citizens were instead helping to build other nations. This experience shaped my vision. I wanted to become a social worker who could bring equal opportunities to disadvantaged communities and help narrow the gap between urban and rural areas.
Driven by this goal, I began volunteering as a facilitator at the Practical English Club (PEC), which offered free English-speaking practice to those who could not afford language courses. Due to the political crisis and the pandemic, many young people across Myanmar turned to our free speaking club, determined not to stop their learning journey. I met many enthusiastic and talented participants full of potential but lacking access to opportunity. This experience reaffirmed my belief that narrowing the opportunity gap is essential for Myanmar’s development, and motivated me to choose Social Work as my major.
About Hkawn
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Kachin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Bachelor’s, Social Work
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a social worker
- Travel to France
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,500
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,650
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
In 2022, I was awarded a full admission scholarship from Hong Kong Baptist University to study for a Bachelor of Social Work. Studying in Hong Kong has significantly broadened my understanding of different cultures and social systems. Interacting with international classmates has helped me appreciate the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity.
I am currently doing my field placement at HOPE Center, which serves ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong. Supporting these communities and witnessing their struggles reminds me of the people back home. After graduation, I plan to work as a registered social worker in Hong Kong to sharpen my professional skills before eventually returning to Myanmar to serve my community.
My study journey in Hong Kong has not been without obstacles. Adapting to a new environment and being the only international student in my department were major challenges. But I have never given up on my dream. I strongly believe that perseverance can open doors, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Written by Hkawn with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Zahkung Tu Mai, Part-time Instructor at Myanmar Institute of Theology (MIT)
“Hkawn is a well rounded person who is also friendly, honest, enthusiastic and young ethnic Kachin young lady who will tirelessly work to positively impact the community she serves.”
Hkawn
“I strongly believe that perseverance can open doors, even in the most difficult circumstances.”
