When education is discouraged in a country, it must be earned through struggles, diligence and hard work. In Burma, a majority of students suffer from mal-education (and worst, DeEducation). Educational crisis in Burma is not a surprising blow. Social outcome of this crisis is best understood in the interest of Burmese ruling generals – which is to put the society in the mindset of slavery. While forced labor and physical slavery are not uncommon across Burma, feeding systematic brainwash and mis-education to innocent children is no excuse to humanity.

The mindset of slavery equals that of the powerless – a recipe for a f*-up life.

So, how do we overcome this crisis in Burma?

I do not have a good answer but I know that I cannot do it alone.

One of my teachers once said, “Brain drain is better than brain waste”. Although it would not be the best solution, I still thank her for the light she showed me.

Being on a brighter side now, I have had a desiring dream of helping children in Burma with their education. I want them to seek out education beyond their classrooms, and realize that education is what will liberate them.

Since I was in Burma, my targeted group of children for help has been the orphans throughout Burma (though my sister has a different idea of supporting primary school teachers). And I want to set up the fund and distribute it for the orphans’ educational benefits. I also have an ultimate dream of building a school-home where they are educated while raised and nurtured. It is a million dollars journey and every journey begins with one step.

I am glad I was able to make the first step towards my goal with a selfless and sincere help from a friend who went and visited Burma. Through that friend, I was able to reach out to Burmese orphans and abandoned children cared for by a Buddhist nun. That orphanage solely depends on private donations and the outlook of the orphanage is poor because it is suited in a rugged location and donors are not willing not make a trip to the orphanage. I am thankful that my friend and hers voluntarily made several trips to that orphanage while they were in Burma.

I requested the nun to use half of my donation on general educational expenses and the other half on a scholarship award to an outstanding student. The idea of scholarship is not yet popular in Burma and probably unheard of in the orphanages. But, I hope that the concept of reward will motivate the kids, and give them a sense of hope and a purpose of life.

Like everything in Burma, nothing can be confirmed. I cannot confirm that money will be used as per my request not because of the credibility of the orphanage, but because of the inaccessibility nature of our country. I have my faith in the nun, and I will leave it as it is.

With a permission of the photographer, I am sharing some of the images from the orphanage. I hope these pictures bring you joy, sympathy, compassion and creative ideas.

And…MOST IMPORTANTLY, I HOPE ONE DAY, YOU CAN PERSONALLY CREATE A MUTUAL HAPPINESS WITH THEM!!!

Photo credit goes to MaBayDar.