My name is Kane Dyje. I was born in Kyeik Tha Like village, near the Thai border in Kayin State, Myanmar. Growing up in a conflict-affected community, I witnessed limited access to education and healthcare, along with a low socioeconomic background, due to the long-standing armed conflict in the region. These challenges shaped my determination to pursue education and contribute to positive social change in my community.
Although I graduated from high school, financial constraints prevented me from attending a full-time university in Myanmar. Instead, I enrolled in the University Distance Education program at Hpa An University, while volunteering with the Cross Border Project Myanmar, organized by Help Without Frontiers Thailand. Through both my studies and volunteer work, I became increasingly aware of the structural challenges facing Myanmar, including unequal educational opportunities, limited public services, youth migration, unemployment, and social issues.
In 2019, I moved to Yangon and worked as a Training Assistant at YOUTH CIRCLE, a community-based organization, while continuing my university distance education in Hpa-An. Balancing work and education required frequent travel and significant financial sacrifices, but these experiences strengthened my resilience and commitment to learning. During this period, I actively engaged with community and youth-focused civil society initiatives, which deepened my understanding of Myanmar’s social and political realities.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 military coup disrupted my university education for three years. Fortunately, Chiang Mai University’s admissions office recognized my earlier University Distance Education transcript, and I decided to apply. Despite these setbacks, my experiences reinforced my desire to better understand how social issues are described theoretically. These are the reasons I enrolled in the Social Sciences and Sustainable Development program at CMU in 2023.
Since joining the program, I have actively participated in academic and community-based learning opportunities, expanding my knowledge of social research, community development, and sustainable development.
About Kane Dyje
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Social Science & Sustainable Development
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Conduct research on social issues in my community
- Establish a research institute
- Visit Bhutan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,425
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,425
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
The coursework, fieldwork, and engagement with diverse communities during my prior academic years strengthened my analytical, critical thinking, and research skills, while giving me deeper insight into the challenges faced by marginalized and conflict-affected populations.
Beyond academics, I have been involved in student-led activities and community initiatives that support vulnerable communities in Myanmar. During my years at CMU, I served as president of the Karen Students Association – Chiang Mai University (KSA CMU). Through KSA CMU, I helped fundraise for events supporting internally displaced person in Karen State, as well as cultural events. These experiences strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills, and reflect my commitment to serving marginalized communities and creating positive social change.
As a student studying social sciences and sustainable development, I aspire to become a researcher and policymaker dedicated to addressing social challenges in border regions and supporting recovery and localized development in Karen State, Myanmar. I am committed to applying the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained from the program toward this goal. I am eager to strengthen community resilience, support evidence-based policymaking, and create educational opportunities for young people facing barriers to quality education. I believe that my education at Chiang Mai University provides a strong foundation for contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful future for my homeland.
Written by Kane Dyje with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Kane Dyje
“I believe that my education at Chiang Mai University provides a strong foundation for contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful future for my homeland.”
