Help Myanmar (Burmese) Students for Their Further Studies in Thailand

What You’re About to Do Could Change One’s Life Forever.
Support the first three outstanding students from Myanmar (Burma) for continuing their higher education in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Update 12/24: Friends in US are sending their donations to the US bank account so that we changed the target amount here to 300,000.00 bahts.

Dear Friends,

In November 2021, three outstanding Myanmar (Burmese) students were admitted to pursue their master’s degree in English Language Studies and Teaching at NIDA (National Institute of Development and Administration) in Bangkok. They have received a partial scholarship from NIDA (only for the major tuition fees). But, they still need to pay for other expenses (the Yangon - Bangkok flight, the necessary covid test; the covid insurance; the quarantine stay; health coverage in Thailand;  living costs (monthly accommodation, food, school supplies, etc). So far, we have helped paying for their health insurance, quarantine hotels, school admission and other school fees, etc).

Honestly, I would like to tell you that this is the least thing I want to ask you for. I have never done this kind of request before. I am now asking your help for my students’ urgent needs.

I believe that most of you still remember that, five years ago (June 2016), I returned to Myanmar (Burma) from the US (by resigning from a well-paid job at DOD). During the past four years(1) in Myanmar, every weekend, I taught English, Computer and general knowledge and skills to hundreds of underprivileged students. The classes were totally free with food and refreshments provided. Also, one day per week, I volunteered to teach at a charity school, known as “Sky Age Free Mobile Education (SAFME)" and founded by Saw Thet Tun who is a former political prisoner, 88 generation activist and now one of the wanted persons for the terrorist military regime. Usually, the SAFME’s a seven-month free boarding program had fifty to sixty students per batch.

(1) I have been stranded in Bangkok, Thailand since March 2020 when I came out to extend a Myanmar visa (I only got a seventy-day Myanmar visa each time). Although I was out of Myanmar, I continued to provide a weekly online class to students in Myanmar until the military seized power.

Among the students I taught and mentored, some of them received scholarships to study in foreign universities. While I had tried so hard to send more students to pursue their further studies overseas with scholarship opportunities, all plans were totally ruined due to the military coup. Since February 1st, 2021, almost all my students stopped studying but they have actively participated in the Spring Revolution. At present, some students have been unfortunately behind bars while others joined People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).

Some of these students with future national and societal development in mind have wish to continue their disrupted education. Thus, in this difficult time, with my encouragement and their hard work, three students (names will be disclosed later) have been accepted to pursue their MA degree in English Language Studies and Teaching at one of the top universities, the National Institute of Development Administration in Bangkok, Thailand. They have been actively getting involved in the Spring Revolution, too.

Aree, a faculty member at NIDA, also encouraged and guided them through their admissions. Now, we are very pleased to see them get this educational opportunity in this difficult time to continue their studies freely and safely. 

Nonetheless, as you all know under the current political crisis and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have spent time and some amounts of money for their safe departures and resettlement here. Their classes are going to start in the second week of January 2022. These brilliant students are from small, remote villages in Myanmar. Before this, they didn’t even dare to dream that they could study overseas, not even in a neighboring country like Thailand. They are now very happy to have this opportunity.

Although they have received a partial grant (partial tuition waiver) from NIDA, they still need help for their living costs (accommodation, food, books and other miscellaneous expenses, estimated annually: $5000+ per student). We have applied for getting financial assistance from a few scholarship-funding organizations, but students will not receive their grants in time (January 2022 – the first semester) due to the political uncertainties. Honestly, it is a big burden for us to take care of these three students so that we need our friends’ help too. We know that you all are these days regularly making donations for the Spring Revolution movements, but one thing is for sure: we hope you will consider to drop a small contribution (donation) to help these three students (us) - Give a little to help a lot.

At this moment, on the students’ behalf, we sincerely thank you for your great help. We will present to you the students’ profiles in detail once they are settling in and starting their studies in Bangkok.

Together we can make a Difference.! Let's help them dream of a brighter future.

Please feel free to let us hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you very much.

 Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. May peace, love, and prosperity follow you always. 

With love & respect,

Zaw Aree

The Exchange Rate is USD 1 = 33.74 Thai Baht +/-