My name is Lin. I am from a lower-middle-class family in Hpa-An, Karen State, Myanmar. As the eldest son, I carry a deep sense of responsibility for my family. My mother, once a dedicated school teacher, was forced into early retirement due to health issues. My father works as sales staff at a local store, earning around $100 per month — an income that supports our entire household, including my mother’s and grandmother’s medical needs and my younger brother’s education.
Despite financial struggles, my parents have always emphasized the importance of education. Although they could not provide material support beyond high school, they gave us love, encouragement, and the belief that education could change our lives. I worked hard and passed the matriculation exam with three distinctions, which allowed me to enroll at Yangon University to major in Mathematics.
There, I received a modest stipend covering tuition, dormitory, and part of my food expenses, and I worked part-time as a tutor to support myself.
My academic journey was abruptly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup. I had to leave Yangon University and return home. Seeing how many children in my community were also struggling to continue their education, I began volunteering as a teacher, focusing on Mathematics and Physics. I continued teaching for several years, doing my best to support students who, like me, were hungry to learn but lacked opportunities.
Still determined to pursue higher education, I joined Education Gathering Group (EGG) Academy, a community school in a rural area of Karen State, where I earned a diploma in Social and Development Studies. My time at EGG shaped my commitment to community development. I organized and led training sessions in remote villages, including youth development workshops and basic computer classes, responding directly to local needs.
About Lin
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Karen, Pa O
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- American University of Phnom Penh
- Bachelor’s, Cybersecurity
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a software developer
- Learn another language
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,025
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,000
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
Through these experiences, I discovered a passion for using technology to improve education. I envision creating educational platforms and software that promote STEM education in multiple ethnic languages, making learning more inclusive and accessible for children from marginalized communities.
In 2024, I received a full scholarship through the USAID Diversity and Inclusive Scholarship Program, covering all costs for a four-year Software Development program at the American University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. This was a dream come true. Sadly, due to shifts in U.S. government priorities, the program was discontinued and I was forced to pause my studies once again.
I remain hopeful and determined. My family’s financial situation is unchanged, our household still relying on the same $100 monthly income. But I firmly believe that with the right knowledge and support, I can transform my own life and become a force for change in my community — especially for those who have been left behind.
Written by Lin with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Lin
“I firmly believe that with the right knowledge and support, I can transform my own life and become a force for change in my community — especially for those who have been left behind.”
