My name is Nathan, and my life story is shaped by resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to peace and community development. I come from Myanmar, a country that has faced prolonged political instability, conflict, and social hardship. Growing up in this environment taught me that peace, justice, and education are not abstract ideals; they are essential foundations for dignity, stability, and hope.
I became the first person in my family to pursue higher education, earning a law degree. My legal studies helped me understand human rights and the structural causes of conflict. Instead of pursuing a purely private career, I chose to work with civil society organizations supporting vulnerable communities, youth leaders, and local partners affected by displacement, social injustice, and crisis. For more than ten years, I have dedicated my life to community development, humanitarian action, and strengthening accountability within civil society.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to one organization, believing deeply in long-term institutional development rather than short-term opportunities. However, working in civil society also means facing instability. Currently, my organization is experiencing a significant financial gap due to funding challenges. As a result, staff salaries, including mine, have been reduced.
This is the third time during my service that the organization has faced financial constraints. Each time, I chose to stay, not because it was easy, but because I believe commitment, accountability, and leadership are demonstrated most clearly during difficult periods.
At the same time, my personal life became more challenging when my father passed away last year. His loss brought emotional grief and financial pressure to my family. I now carry additional responsibility to support my mother while continuing my education and professional commitments. Managing academic work, reduced income, and family responsibility has been extremely difficult, yet it strengthened my determination to continue forward rather than give up.
About Nathan
- Age: 34
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Karen, Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Payap University
- Master’s, Peace Studies
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a peacebuilding policy specialist
- Mentor and empower young leaders
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,425
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,425
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Peace Studies at Payap University in Thailand. This program is helping me deepen my understanding of conflict transformation, peacebuilding leadership, and inclusive development. My long-term vision is to contribute to sustainable peace in Myanmar by strengthening youth leadership, promoting social cohesion, and supporting locally led community initiatives. I want to help communities build systems rooted in accountability and peaceful dialogue.
The Zomia loan represents more than financial assistance; it represents an opportunity to continue serving. Due to my reduced salary and family circumstances, financing my education has become increasingly difficult. With your support, I will be able to complete my master’s degree without interruption and continue contributing both academically and professionally.
My success is not only personal. If supported, I will use this education to expand peace education programs, mentor young leaders, and strengthen community organizations working for justice and development. I see this moment not simply as receiving help, but as a partnership that enables me to give back more effectively.
I have chosen commitment over comfort, service over personal gain, and community impact over individual success. With Zomia support, I will continue transforming education into action, serving my family, strengthening my organization, and contributing to peaceful and accountable communities.
Written by Nathan with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Nathan
“I have chosen commitment over comfort, service over personal gain, and community impact over individual success.”
