My name is April. I was born in Myanmar into a family of 11 family in 1997 during the civil war that took place between ethnic minority armed groups and the Myanmar military. My whole village was burned down, and my family frequently fled to the jungle for shelter.
Despite many difficulties, unlike my siblings who left school because of financial problems and family difficulties, I finished grade 7 in Myanmar. However, I could not finish high school in Myanmar because of financial difficulties, so I decided to go to the Thai-Myanmar border, where free education is offered.
I started grade 8 and finished my high school in 2016. After I graduated from high school, I volunteered at Jesuit Refugee Services as an interpreter, where I distributed food to elders and assisted displaced children. After that, I studied at Karenni National College, which is a three-year diploma program.
While studying at KNC, I implemented a water sanitation project in Kayah State, which aimed to provide clean water to underprivileged villages and improve livelihoods. During the project implementation, I managed budgets, organized meetings, and carried out other tasks assigned by the organizers. Our project in Kayah State was successfully implemented with the participation and collaboration of donors and villagers.
All these experiences have inspired and prepared me to become a social development worker. Despite graduating with a diploma on the Thai-Myanmar border, I was aware that my education was not accredited in either Thailand or Myanmar. Therefore, I earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate to continue my studies at the international level. After successfully taking the GED exam, I applied to enter the Social Science program at Chiang Mai University.
Since my childhood, I have always wanted to be a social development worker to help bring peace and create life and job opportunities in the community, especially for underprivileged children.
About April
- Age: 27
- Ethnicity: Karen, Karenni
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chiang Mai University
- Bachelor’s, Social Science
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a social worker
- Travel to Norway
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,975
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,750
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In Repayment
I have experienced so many life challenges such as fleeing from the explosion of mortar fire and the sound of the guns used in the civil war. I have always been deeply committed to helping others, especially those who come from vulnerable backgrounds.
As I get older, I understand more deeply how ethnic people in Myanmar have endured oppression since Myanmar gained independence from the British in 1948.
To achieve my goal, I have decided to further my education at the international level and apply my knowledge and skills effectively in my community after I finish. I have taken many required courses at Chiang Mai University, and I am now taking courses such as Life and Security, the Strategies of Development and Ethnicity Movement.
All these course have widened my views. Furthermore, many important courses are still ahead. Those courses are useful for my future career because our country is under-developed, with widespread violations of human rights.
I am confident that studying at university for four years will enhance my capabilities to make changes for my people. My two-year journey at CMU has progressively enhanced my knowledge and skills as I have learned about social development theories, for instance, Contemporary Theory in Social Science, Development theory and practice courses, and other core courses.
Each semester has been a challenge as I have to deal with school lectures. Through the challenges, I am gradually improving. I will be a third- year student this academic year, but I am concerned about paying for my living expenses and other necessary expenses next semester. Therefore, I am applying for a Zomia loan.
In conclusion, I believe that the education I am receiving will not only bring benefits to me, but also to my community in Kayah State. To apply the concepts of development in my community effectively, it is essential to study and earn my degree at the international level. I have done my best while studying at university and I am confident that I will be a great asset to my community and country.
Written by April with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
April
“I have experienced so many life challenges such as fleeing from the explosion of mortar fire and the sound of the guns used in the civil war. I have always been deeply committed to helping others, especially those who come from vulnerable backgrounds.”
