My name is Lar Paw. I grew up in Kayin State, Burma. I am the eldest of five siblings, with three brothers and one sister.
My mother is a retired school teacher, and my father is a plumber. My youngest brother has been frequently ill since childhood, and because of this, my parents encouraged me to become a nurse so I could support both our family’s income and healthcare needs.
Despite many challenges, my parents supported me in pursuing nursing education, and I began my studies in 2003. I completed my nursing diploma in 2006 and worked at a private hospital in Hpa-an for one year. Although my parents hoped I would remain close to home, I wanted to explore beyond my immediate surroundings and learn more about the wider situation.
In 2007, I moved to the Thailand–Burma border and began working as a nurse for refugees who had fled their homes. This experience deepened my commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. I came to understand that many people were being denied basic rights, including access to education, healthcare, information, and freedom of movement.
After arriving at the border, I worked as a clinical nurse, supporting a wide range of patients, including pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses. During this time, I encountered patients who had experienced severe hardship, which led me to focus on gender-based violence (GBV). In 2012, I began working with the American Refugee Committee, where I was responsible for managing GBV programs in Umphiem Refugee Camp.
After several years of work, I began to think about how I could further develop my knowledge and skills.
About Lar Paw
- Age: 39
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Khon Kaen University
- Master’s, Public Health
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become an effective public health practitioner
- Visit Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,425
- Amount Left To Fund: $0
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: Repaid in Full
Quotable
What Others Are Saying About Lar Paw
In 2016, I enrolled in a distance university program in Hpa-an while continuing to work and support my family financially, especially as my brother required ongoing medical treatment.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I started saving money to continue my education. Health has always been my main area of interest, and this became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, my brother’s condition worsened due to limited access to proper treatment, and he was eventually hospitalized in critical condition. My family faced both emotional and financial strain, and I used my savings to support his medical care.
This experience made me reflect deeply on the causes of illness and the importance of prevention. I began to see public health as a field that could help address these challenges at a broader level. I want to provide people with accurate and accessible health information so they can make informed decisions and lead healthier lives.
Written by Lar Paw with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Lar Paw
“I want to provide people with accurate and accessible health information so they can make informed decisions and lead healthier lives.”