My name is Zayar and I was born in Yangon, Myanmar. My father worked as a gate security worker in the government railway sector, earning a modest salary.
I have three older sisters, and I am the youngest in my family. Both of my parents were illiterate. Due to our financial hardship, my father could not fully support our education. Tragically, my mother passed away from untreated diabetes in 2008 because of our poverty.
Later, we moved to Umphiem Refugee Camp in Thailand to pursue educational opportunities. Once in Thailand, after eight months of struggles in Umphiem Refugee Camp, I had the chance to continue my education from Grade 6 to Grade 12.
After completing my studies, I worked as a mental health counselor for the American Refugee Committee (ARC) to enhance service provision in my community in 2016. Subsequently, I studied at Australian Catholic University (ACU), where I earned a diploma in liberal arts studies.
About Zayar
- Age: 29
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Rangsit University
- Bachelor’s, International Relations & Development
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a consultant in an organization
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,400
- Amount Left To Fund: $625
- Contract Duration: 10 years
- Status: In Deferment
After ACU, I aimed to contribute the skills I acquired by working as an organizational development training coordinator for a community-based organization called Mae Tao Clinic, Ethnic Health System Strengthening Group (EHSSG), which delivers and promotes ethnic health systems in areas where the government cannot provide services.
I believe that my work with ethnic groups in Myanmar has prepared me to study at Rangsit University, majoring in International Political Economy and Development. After my studies at Rangsit University, I am committed to working for the Ethnic Health System Strengthening Group (EHSSG) and taking on the role of effectively building a health federal system among ethnic groups in Myanmar.
Currently, I am a final-year student working on my thesis paper. Without necessary support from Zomia, I will not be able to defend my thesis this coming August and graduate in December
Written by Zayar with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Zayar
“After my studies at Rangsit University, I am committed to working for the Ethnic Health System Strengthening Group (EHSSG) and taking on the role of effectively building a health federal system among ethnic groups in Myanmar.”
