I was born in a hill town called Kalaw in the Shan State of Myanmar. I spent my childhood among Palaung ethnic children in a hostel. Since my parents are separated, my two sisters and I were raised by my mother. The living conditions there can be visualized by picturing a plate of rice topped with a fried egg as the best meal we could have. Despite many challenges, my mother raised us with compassion and helped the poor and needy.
In 2011, my family evacuated to Thailand due to safety concerns. After moving to Thailand, my mother worked as a teacher at the Danyela Learning Center (DLC), a migrant learning center in Pathum Thani. Since it was my first time moving far away from my hometown, everything I encountered was new and challenging for me, especially the language. However, my ability to adapt to change led me to enroll in a Thai public school and learn the language within three years.
I continued my study at the DLC and took matriculation exams at the Myanmar Embassy every year, passing the examination with a distinction in biology in 2020. Being seen in the community as a leader, DLC requested my service as a part-time volunteer teacher in 2017. I accepted it enthusiastically. Since the majority of the students are from ethnic minorities and speak Thai more fluently, my language skill in Thai was put to excellent use to communicate and teach the lessons. I became a full-time volunteer in 2018, instructing primary and middle school students in Science, Myanmar, and English. I was identified by the DLC as a suitable candidate and was sent to attend the Basic Officers Training Course, and I became the youngest BB scout officer in my cohort.
After five years of volunteering at DLC, I decided to pursue my further education. In 2021, I was successful in gaining a position in the GED program at BEAM Education Foundation. I strongly believe in improving my knowledge, so after my voluntary job, I studied by myself till late at night.
About Juju
- Age: 20
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Social Science & Sustainable Development
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a human rights lawyer
- Work toward justice, protection, and equal rights for children
- See the Northern Lights
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,375
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,375
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
While enrolled in the GED program, I became fascinated by learning social studies and developed a strong interest in the law. Since I have always worked with children and interacted with them, I have witnessed violence against them in the form of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. When I worked as an interpreter conducting surveys about migrant children for Save the Children Thailand in Mae Sot, I saw the difficulties these children had in receiving an education, access to basic rights, and citizenship. With that, I became more aware of how important it is to understand the law and rights with respect to today’s social inequities. It made me realize that I am inspired and passionate about being a human rights advocate specializing in children’s rights in Myanmar and along the Myanmar-Thai border, ensuring that children receive justice, protection, and equal rights.
In 2022, I successfully passed the GED exam and got accepted to study Social Science at Chiang Mai University. However, my family could not afford to send me there due to my mother’s limited salary. Nevertheless, I received a refugee scholarship and worked part-time as a bartender, a translator, and a language tutor to pay for my first year of school. With Zomia’s help, I am confident that I will have the willpower, dedication, and enthusiasm to graduate with honors. I expect nothing less than to be fully equipped to begin my journey to fulfill my future career goals for Myanmar migrant children and refugees at the end of my fourth year at Chiang Mai University.
Written by Juju with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Juju
“I firmly believe that whenever one door closes, another door opens… Life can be unpredictable at times and our plans may not go as we had hoped. Yet we must restrain ourselves and continue to focus on what we should do.”
