I am Malcom. I come from a village called Hmawbi, which has now grown into a fairly large town. But back then, it was a quiet place — home to farmers, vendors, and dusty roads. Life was simple. There wasn’t much, but there was peace.
When I was young, my parents moved to Yangon so I could access better education. I’ve always believed that education should be more than memorization; it should empower people to grow, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
My parents did everything they could to give me that opportunity. I also had the support of my grandparents, retired teachers who became my earliest mentors. I learned so much just by observing them: their patience, their words, and how they interacted with others. Many people today compliment my English communication skills, and I owe that entirely to them.
As I grew older, I began to notice the growing gap in our education system. In the city, wealthier families could afford better schools with modern teaching methods and abundant resources. But each time I returned to my village, the contrast was obvious. Even in urban schools, the focus was often on rote memorization and exam preparation rather than real understanding or creativity.
After completing my matriculation exam, I joined the Liberal Arts Program at the Myanmar Institute of Theology and began working as a tour guide and teacher assistant. My motivation then was ego-driven. That changed when I met a teacher who became a lifelong mentor. He reshaped how I viewed education. I began to understand that teaching isn’t just about transferring knowledge — it’s about shaping people, nurturing growth, and guiding learners through their journey.
From that point on, I taught with heart and purpose. I attended teacher training programs and volunteered in underserved communities — homes, orphanages, churches, and remote areas.
About Malcom
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mahidol University
- Master’s, Science & Technology Education
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a science and technology educator
- Visit Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $7,175
- Amount Left To Fund: $7,150
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In School
I joined Teach for ASEAN, a nonprofit focused on bringing learning opportunities to underprivileged communities, and together with my mentor and colleagues we opened our own classes to reach more students.
One of the most fulfilling moments came when a former student I had mentored reached out to tell me he had completed his education and was leading a community initiative. He invited me to join the Zwekabin Myay Education Project, an organization focused on youth empowerment through education and community development. It was there that I began to understand the broader educational ecosystem — NGOs, civil society organizations, and grassroots efforts — and what it truly means to give back to entire communities, not just individuals.
During this period, I worked three jobs simultaneously, and gained a clearer picture of the many challenges teachers face: being overworked, underpaid, and undervalued despite the critical role they play. I came to believe that one of the most urgent needs in Myanmar is access to skill-based, well-structured, and sustainable teacher development programs.
In 2024, the situation in Myanmar worsened and I was forced to relocate to Thailand. I enrolled in a Master’s in Education and Technology — a field I believe is crucial for the future of teaching and learning in regions like mine. I am committed to ensuring that everything I learn will flow back into the education systems that need it most. My dream is to return home not just with ideas, but with real solutions — to help transform classrooms and uplift communities that have long been overlooked.
Written by Malcom with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Malcom
“Teaching isn’t just about transferring knowledge — it’s about shaping people, nurturing growth, and guiding learners through their journey.”