My name is Luke. I was brought up in the Sagaw Karen community, and my father served as General Secretary of the Sagaw Karen Culture Association, which played a leading role in Karen community development.
I faced many difficulties during my high school years, and by the time I graduated in 2003, my father could no longer support my university education. We did not give up, however, believing that education is the key to success. We moved to Yangon to face new challenges.
Against all odds, with financial assistance from churches, I received a diploma in Information and Communication Technology and completed my first degree in English in 2009. Following my father’s example of service, I have never failed to contribute my skills and time to Karen organizations. Since 2003, I have participated in programs supporting Karen community development.
In 2008, I completed a Training of Trainers course for English teaching at the American Center, which deepened my confidence, sense of responsibility, and initiative. Since then, I have volunteered with many organizations and provided care and services to vulnerable people. I worked as a freelance and volunteer English teacher with St. John Youth, Daniel Education Ministry, and YWAN until 2012.
I later received a scholarship to attend a civic education course at the Institute of Political and Civic Engagement and conducted voter education training ahead of Myanmar’s general election. In December 2015, I was selected as a Myanmar delegate by the US Embassy to attend the ASEAN Education Summit organized by the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative in Bangkok, where I presented on the challenges of Myanmar’s education system and the need for reform.
In 2016, I worked as an assistant at British Council Myanmar on a project promoting English language skills among government officials, gaining valuable experience working across government ministries.
About Luke
- Age: 40
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mahidol University
- Master’s, Social Science
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Collaborate with ASEAN youth to create better opportunities in Myanmar
- Visit Liverpool
- Start a social business
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,400
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,400
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In Deferment
In 2018, I served as a language and cultural facilitator with Peace Corps Myanmar, supporting American volunteers involved in education across the country.
My dream is to earn a master’s degree and contribute to changing Myanmar’s education system and improving its quality.
After graduating, I plan to conduct research comparing Myanmar’s education system with those of other ASEAN countries, and to collaborate with research centers to ensure my work is as inclusive and comprehensive as possible.
Written by Luke with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Luke
“Following my father’s example of service to the Karen community, I have never failed to contribute my skills and time to Karen organizations.”
