My name is We-Z and I am Kachin, one of the ethnic groups in Myanmar. I was born in November, 1995. I have two younger brothers. In the past, my family lived in Pha Kan, Kachin State. My father worked in a jade mine, and my mother sold goods in a small store. Later, my family moved to Muse and stayed with my uncle’s family. Unfortunately, I lost my father when I was seven years old. Since then, my mother worked very hard to support us, but it was not enough for my family. So, she left us to get better jobs in China and Malaysia where people believe it’s easier to find jobs and income.
Nonetheless, my mother faced a lot of difficulties abroad, and she could not support us any better than she had before. Instead things got even worse. She could not even earn enough money to survive. As the result, she applied for a UN card and had an opportunity to move to Sweden.
A few years later, she arrived in Sweden and called me to come and stay with her. I decided to apply for Sweden through Thailand and left Myanmar before finishing my high school. At that time, I just wanted to see her and stay with her. Additionally, the situation around my state was not very good in the time; there is an ongoing civil war between the military government and ethnic armed groups.
Unfortunately, my hope did not come true. My mother’s plan did not go as expected because she never started the process. As a result, I was stuck in Thailand without a clear goal in life. The only thing I knew about was dreaming to have a happy and a wealthy life. However, my idea of life changed when I began studying at BEAM Education Foundation.
While studying there, I developed an interest in becoming a professional in the information technology field. I also participated in school social movements activities. When I finished my GED, I volunteered as a teaching assistant for about two months to help other students like me. After that, I moved on to my next goal.
About We-Z
- Age: 28
- Ethnicity: Kachin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Payap University
- Bachelor’s, Information Technology
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an IT professional
- Obtain a master’s degree and PhD
- Become a professor
- Contribute to Myanmar’s technological advancement
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $6,025
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,975
- Contract Duration: 13 years
- Status: In Limbo
I started my bachelor’s program at Payap University in 2016, studying information technology. I love what I am studying, and it matches my interests. I wish to finish my degree without any problems, especially with financial issues. Once I graduate with a bachelor’s degree, I will work at some NGO or local community organization to gain work experience and practice the knowledge I have gained. After a few years working, I plan to continue my studies to earn higher-level degrees (a master’s degree and a PhD). After that, I will return to my country and work in the local community or government once again.
Myanmar recently became a democratic country. The newly elected government has begun making changes to transform Myanmar into a more developed country. In the process, the government needs technicians from a variety of fields. I wish to be one of them, and in that way I can also work for my country and help it develop effectively.
After I retire, I wish to share my knowledge with the younger generations who are interested in information technology. I will work as an instructor at universities and share all my knowledge and experience with the students. That is my final dream amongst my future plans to give back to my community and the country. After that, I will spend my final years peacefully and happily by traveling around the world to enjoy the beauty of nature, learn the values of different cultures, and experience the wonderful things created by new technologies.
Written by We-Z with editing assistance from Ken, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
We-Z
“All the world’s worthwhile information has been stored on tiny devices or in the cloud. This amazes me and makes me interested to learn more about it.”
We-Z
“I want to be a professional in the field of Information Technology. It is very important in the modern world.”
