University education for Myanmar refugee in Thailand

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My name is Saw Blut Doh Say. I was born on 15 April, 1997 in Karen State, Myanmar. I come from seven siblings. I grew up in a Karen rural area until I was five and then started my early education in Karenni state. To finish my high school studies, I moved to Mae Ra Moe refugee camp in Thailand and accomplished my post ten education in Mae Sot, Thailand. Despite harsh life conditions I have never given up on my dream to obtain a university degree that will empower me to address challenges in my community.

When I was born, the Karen ethnic group and the Burmese government were fighting in our area. Therefore, my parents moved to Karenni State to live peacefully. As soon as my father built a small house, the Burmese government confiscated our property and we became homeless. My mother asked me to stay with her friends, and thus, from the age of seven I had to stay away from my family.

When I was eleven, I wanted to reunite with my family; however, I was requested to follow my uncle to Mae Ra Moe refugee camp in Thailand. I studied there from grade five to grade twelve. In the refugee camp I lived in poverty because my uncle had to take care of his eight children and my parents were in deep debt. To earn money, I spent weekends working in Thai rural areas. I tried my best and finished grade twelve with distinctions.

After my high school studies, the financial situation of my family did not change. Therefore, I needed to find other ways to continue in my studies. Fortunately, I got a chance to study at Love and Care Learning Center (LnC) in Mae Sot. During my studies, my teachers provided me with everything I needed to focus on my education. My friends and teachers loved me because I was clever and helpful. I could make friends easily and I always helped them with their homework. Moreover, I was really good at organizing the students. In March, 2016 I graduated from LnC with distinction. Afterwards, I studied at Minmahaw Higher Education Program (MHEP) for one year to obtain General Education Development (GED) certificate. Apart from GED certificate I also gained important management, leadership, and social skills and became independent and self-confident. I am an enthusiastic and motivated person who learns fast and is not afraid of challenges.

I am currently studying at University of The Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) in Bangkok. I am a first-year student. My major is International Business Management. I got 50% scholarship which covers my tuition fees; however, the rest of the costs related to my university studies are not covered. Thus, I am trying to find someone to fund me because I would love to continue in my studies to learn more about economic and business management strategies so that in future I can participate in formulation of development policies in my country.