Daughters Rising Art Auction is Now Live!

We are excited to announce the launch of Hannah Herr's annual fundraiser for our Scholarship Program for Indigenous and Refugee Women! Do some holiday shopping while helping support incredible refugee scholars from Myanmar The auction site is now LIVE and will be up until December 4th at 7pm! https://www.32auctions.com/organiza.../62904/auctions/135382

For those of you in the NYC area, we are also hosting an in-person event on December 4th from 4-7pm at the ELM Foundation in Brooklyn (see details below). There will be delicious mezcal cocktails, a holiday market of home goods made by indigenous women from the RISE Artisan Initiative, and of course all of the beautiful artworks available for bidding. It would be amazing to see you there!

If you could please pass the auction info along to anyone who might be interested in acquiring a work, it would be much appreciated

ART AUCTION TO BENEFIT INDIGENOUS WOMEN'S SCHOLARSHIPS
Online auction: bidding open until 7pm December 4th
In-person event: December 4th, 4-7pm
Hosted by the ELM Foundation
191 North 14th Street, Brooklyn

Let’s show up for our sister Mol Mol!

Meet scholarship recipient Mol Mol

an aspiring nurse in need of support!

Mol Mol is a 3rd year student in Chiang Mai University’s Nursing Program—one of the most competitive and prestigious medical schools in Thailand. She excels at her studies there, dreaming of becoming an emergency medic on the Thai/Myanmar border. But with the increased violence in Myanmar after the 2021 coup by the Burmese Military Junta, her family is no longer able to help support her basic needs or food. She only has one last year of school before she is a certified nurse—so close! But without money for food or housing she’ll be forced to drop out. Help us keep her in school and make her dream come true!

Growing up in the war zone of Myanmar’s Karen State, Mol Mol has had to overcome incredible adversity and hardship. Because of malnutrition and lack of access to healthcare, she is the only of her 4 siblings to survive to adulthood. She knew that education was her only means of escape from poverty, so at the age of four she fled to Thailand to stay with her aunt and attend a school for migrant children on the Thai/Myanmar border. There she was able to complete high school and was thrilled at the possibility of continuing her studies at university. But shortly after her graduation, a sudden accident paralyzed her father from the waist down. Hit with huge medical bills, her family quickly became burdened with debt to pay for his care and she had to put her university dreams on hold in order to work. After several years of working multiple jobs in Bangkok, she was finally able to help her family get free of debt, and her dreams of higher education could reignite.

Having seen the devastation that lack of access to healthcare had wrought in Myanmar, she dreamed of becoming a nurse and giving back to her community through medicine. Her sights were set on Chiang Mai University (CMU)’s Nursing program. However CMU is taught entirely in English, so her first challenge was to enroll in an English intensive summer program to prepare her for her studies. Naturally gifted at languages, she excelled in the program and was later thrilled to be accepted to CMU for Nursing Science. With her dream of being a nurse finally in view, she threw herself into her medical studies with a passion. Over the past 3 years she has gotten top marks in her program. But as Mol Mol has succeeded academically, the situation in Myanmar has gotten much worse.

Since the 2021 coup in Myanmar there’s been increasing violence in the area and currency has dropped to half its value. As such, the Burmese NGO that had helped cover her living expenses is no longer able to do so. Fearing that she would have to drop out of school without this support, she turned to Daughters Rising again to help cover this additional cost. In the past we have only been able to fund scholarships, but now we feel it imperative to do everything possible to help keep her—and other students like her—in school for her final year.

So we are introducing a new student sponsorship program where, for $20 per month, you can help students cover their expenses while in school. Each sponsor will be paired with a student and receive a personalized update from them each semester.

Join us in the fight for indigenous women’s education!

Every sponsorship changes a student’s life.

Student Profile: Naw Khin Oo

Growing up, Naw Khin Oo, who goes by the moniker Eh Ree, shared a bamboo and leaf house with her parents, younger sister, and younger brother in the small village of Hpa K’lu, Karen State, eastern Burma. Within the community, she attended the local school, consisting of only 20 students. In order to complete her homework or read at night, she’d use a candle for light.

Both the village and Eh Ree’s family experienced strenuous economic, health, and nutrition challenges. The village’s access to primary healthcare and nurses were at a minimum, being that the nearest clinic was too far away. Since there were many children suffering from hygiene related diseases, this made it difficult for them to receive necessary medical attention. 

Eh Ree, also struggling with obstacles within her immediate family, describes what it was like growing up with a younger brother who has down syndrome: “It makes it more difficult for our family to care for him. Sometimes, we did not have enough food for the family members which caused malnutrition amongst the family members.” 

Gender discrimination was also common in her village, she says: “In my village, sons are encouraged by the parents and community to pursue further education while daughters are encouraged to just finish high school or grade 12. After that, girls are encouraged to return home and help parents.”

Believing in gender equality, Eh Ree is adamant that she has the right to learn and receive more on the educational and social spectrum, stating: “I always let my parents know that both me and my brother have the same capability to do well if we both get the same [opportunities].  Eh Ree says the discrimination she faced is just another life test that she needed to overcome.

The escalation of the civil war forced a big change in Eh Ree’s life at the age of twelve, as she moved to a refugee camp on the Thai-Burmese border for safety. Nevertheless, within that same year, she was quickly turned away due to overpopulation of the camp—forcing her to return back to Hpa K’lu.

Five years later, her parents sent her to the Mae La Refugee Camp, the biggest camp for Karen refugees in Thailand, in order for her to continue her education. This was the only option they had for affordable schooling. Afterwards, she moved to the Children Development Centre in Mae Sot—a migrant school.

Before transferring to Chiang Mai University to receive her GED, Eh Ree put her own studies on hold in order to support her sister’s high school education. At the same time, she found herself dealing with the declining health conditions of her parents.

“I worked for 5 years as a community health worker focusing on primary healthcare, family planning, and birth control,” she explains. Eventually, and happily, she was able to return to school following those years of hard work.

Today, 27-year-old Eh Ree is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Chiang Mai University, her greatest accomplishment to date.

Life’s roller coaster, as well as her mother’s wisdom, taught Eh Ree to never give up: “I sometimes almost give up in my study or work due to family problems and financial difficulty. However, when I recall my mum’s “never-quit” word, I am able to calm myself down and strive.”

One year on after receiving sponsorship from Daughters Rising, Eh Ree compares the experience to winning the lottery. “This sponsorship paves the way for my academic career,” she says, sponsorship that has also aided in her ultimate goal of graduating and serving her community by opening a clinic in her village and surrounding villages.

The life events that greatly impacted her ended up lighting a fire within Eh Ree, thus pushing her to grow into the strong, self-empowered woman she is today. 

Eh Ree leaves us with a few wise words of her own: “I believe that big things start with small act.”

Interview Questions with Naw Khin Oo 

What languages do you speak? 

I speak Karen, English, Burmese and Thai.

What is the biggest challenge you've overcome to get to this point? 

Throughout my schooling time and works, I had overcome many in order to get to the point I am standing now. If I have to mention one, it will be the education challenge that I faced when I did my GED in Chiang Mai. I considered the time at GED as my biggest challenge because that was the time when I re-entered the education field after being away from my academic life for five years. At first, I thought I won’t be able to make it through GED. However, after several attempts and one exam after the other, I was fully confident that I will not only pass the GED exam but also continue my study at Chiang Mai University. Following my determination, I am now at Chiang Mai University doing a degree in nursing.

What is a favorite memory of yours that stands out to you (school, educational experience, Daughters Rising moment)? 

My favorite memory that stands out to me was when I heard that Daughters Rising is happy to help me toward my study at CMU. At first, I cannot believe that I am going to study at an accredited university in Thailand. When I told my parents, they were extremely happy which makes it ever happier for me when I see them happy. That was the greatest moment I cannot forget.

What do you love most about studying in Thailand? 

I love studying at CMU not because it is in Thailand. But because I like the way teachers are teaching. Back in Myanmar or in the camp, we do not have sufficient teaching materials which make our teachers’ teaching system very impractical. Here at the university, we have almost everything we need for study so I like it. I also love my camps a lot.

How do you think your Daughters Rising sponsorship has impacted your future? 

It has been almost a year that Daughters Rising has financially helped me toward my academic journey. Academically, I am now improving. I learned a lot in the last couple months. I have more concentration on my studies because I do not have to worry about financial problems. So far, my academic journey is smooth and I am looking forward to finishing my first year with satisfaction. Thank you Daughters Rising for your sponsorship.

How does it feel to receive an education? 

Receiving education is like receiving something people cannot steal from you. I know that this education has a two-folded impact; first for myself and finally for the people who need my help.

What do you think others should know about this organization? 

Other should know that there is an organization like Daughters Rising that uplift girls and women who need help. I encourage others, especially girls/women who want to pursue their further studies, to find out more about Daughters Rising. For some girls/women, this organization could be the only gateway to their academic careers.

What is your favorite food? What special foods do you associate with your family and family celebrations? 

If I have to pick by country it will be Thai food. However, I also love Takapaw, a traditional Karen porridge made out of rice powder, meat and vegetables. Takapaw is the most famous Karen dish and all Karen people know about it. It has a hidden meaning back in our ancestors time. There was a time when Karens did not have enough rice to feed all the family members. So the elders pounded the rice mixed with meat and vegetables and turned it into Takapaw [Karen Porridge]. Finally everyone in the family feels full after eating Takapaw. It means unity and sharing in hard times.

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to see my family members, relatives and friends after a year. As a Christian, I also get to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and go to church with my family.

What do you do for fun/favorite extracurricular activity? 

I watch movies or read when I have my spare time. I also love to swim and run for my physical health.

What is your favourite quote? 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” | Nelson Mandela 

I totally agree that only education can make this world a better place to live!

Daughters Rising Launches Art Auction to Save Scholarship Program

As many of you know, normally, profits from The Chai Lai Orchid, our vocational training program and elephant rescue, fund Daughters Rising’s scholarship program for ethnic minority women. However the pandemic has decimated the tourism industry in Thailand, and consequently these scholarships are also at risk of collapse. 

The incredible young women we support are all refugees from Myanmar and have overcome incredible adversity to pursue higher education, ad we can’t fathom having to tell them they can’t continue their studies. 

So in light of the enormous obstacles that Daughters Rising is currently facing, we are launching an online art auction as a fundraiser for our scholarship program. Our community of incredible artists have stepped up to the challenge and have generously donated amazing work to the case.

If you can, please consider either collecting a work or helping promote the auction via social media-- Help keep our students in school!

Art Auction for Girls Education

Johanna Robinson

Signal Tower

Through employment, education and outreach we empower at-risk girls to break cycles of exploitation and intergenerational poverty. Our initiatives are largely funded by profits from our Elephant Rescue & Eco Hotel, the Chai Lai Orchid. However since January, the pandemic has decimated the tourism industry in Thailand, and consequently, these scholarships are also at risk of collapse. Without this fund, 20 brilliant young women will lose their scholarships and access to education. All of our students are refugees who have overcome incredible adversity to pursue their academic dreams. We are inspired every day by their courage, perseverance and fierceness and we are committed to keeping them in school-- but we need your help!

Luckily, our community of incredible artists has stepped up to help during this unprecedented time of need. All work included in this auction has been donated in support of our cause and proceeds will fund our scholarships. By purchasing a work, you not only add a fantastic piece of art to your collection, you also help fund tuition for these students.

Courage is Contagious

Meet baby Pakae!

Everyone at our social business, the Chai Lai Orchid hotel, is overjoyed to announce we have adopted a new elephant family. At the end of October we welcomed a new elephant family into the Chai Lai Orchid fold, when we adopted little Pakae, along with his mother and grandmother. These majestic matriarchs and their precious ward now reside at Chai Lai Mountain View, happily no longer having to work in abusive conditions. The arrival of Pakae, Mulasu (mum) and Boontong (grandmother) brings the number of rescued elephants at our mountain resort to four. Thanks to your support, they now get to just be elephants and chill!

Guests who stay at Chai Lai Mountain View will be able to interact with Pakae and the other elephants under the guidance of their mahouts, feeding them some of their favourite food, like sugar cane and bananas. But you don't have to wait to visit us before meeting them! We are currently working on a video to formally introduce them to a wider audience, and as you can see, mischievous little Pakae is already quite the star! We'll be releasing the video soon. Stay tuned!

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Stepping outside the box and onto the stage

When Facebook and Instagram chose Chai Lai Orchid as the 'small business with social impact' they wanted to highlight at their annual APAC employee conference, as you can imagine we felt proud and excited. Our social business was going to represent small businesses throughout the entire Asia - Pacific region. The social media giants invited us to present to the region’s Insta / FB team in November, a gathering of over 2000 people! It seemed like a good opportunity to try something new, though scary - public speaking! So we said yes and packed our bags for Singapore.

Chai Lai Orchid and Daughters Rising's Founder, Alexa Pham, her 3 year-old son Tla, and Seng, one of the students sponsored by Daughters Rising, along with Gaynor, friend and longtime Daughters Rising volunteer, travelled to Singapore from Thailand the day before the conference to prepare for the event. Excited and nervous in equal measure about presenting, Seng recounts her experience:

“It was one of the most wonderfully exciting events and experiences I have ever had in my life. I used to sing and dance on stage, but this time was different. I was speaking my 4th language in front of a thousand people from around the world. At first I lost my confidence. Alexa and Gaynor were guiding me and practised with me. Literally, I had overcome my fear of being on the stage.

“I was so nervous to dare to talk with other people because I thought they are very professional, rich, and some famous social influencers. I was afraid that I would face discrimination, but they proved me wrong. When I was finished talking they stood up and gave a standing ovation. All of them are very friendly, kind and helpful. I felt warm and welcomed and it was the happiest day I had ever had.”

Alexa also admitted how nervous she was beforehand:

"Anyone who knows me well knows that talking to strangers is not my forte! Backstage at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, I found myself wondering if anyone had ever had a heart attack from stage fright! But the women we serve have taught me that sharing our story is more important than staying in my comfort zone.

"I recall seeing the first picture of Seng I ever saw before I met her in person. I remember thinking how the simple farm girl in the photo seemed so full of resilience, grit and fierce tenacity. I am moved by the amazing woman Seng is today and the incredible sister I had the privilege to share a stage with.

"Thank you Rich Rao (CEO SME APAC) for inviting us to Singapore. Thank you to Seng and all my sisters for inspiring me.

"These young women are an example of why we invest in girls full of potential but lacking financial resources! I am 100% confident that when we invest in refugee girls like Seng and Naw Pwint, they will uplift their community and forge a brighter future.

"I hope their courage will inspire you too!"

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One more daughter rises up

As many of our supporters know, one of Daughters Rising's outreach projects includes sponsoring girls and young women through school and university. We are only able to do this with your support: through proceeds that come from guests who stay at our Chai Lai Orchid eco lodges, our day tours, and your generous donations.

Despite receiving a full scholarship from the Education University of Hong Kong, Naw Pwint was unable to take up her place because she was denied a visa on the basis of only having documents from the refugee camp in Thailand where she drew up - an all too common situation for most refugees forced to flee their homeland. As a result, Daughters Rising has chosen to sponsor Naw Pwint, providing her instead with the opportunity to study at university in Thailand. Welcome to the family Naw Pwint!

Naw Pwint takes up her story:

“I was born in Shan state Myanmar. Although my village is hard to find on the map, it provides very fertile soil and around 75 percent of the villagers have the occupation of farming. I started to help my parents with their farm works when I was five. My village was ravaged by battle between Tatmadaw Soldiers and Karen Soldiers because it’s ideal geographic location which is the center of transportation to many other villages. As a result, Tatmadaw soldiers usually crossed my village to go to fight and sometimes they kidnapped people in my village and forced them to carry weapons and food for them. Therefore, the majority of the villagers couldn’t live in their home all year long as they had to flee from battles from time to time. My father was one of the victims and he was caught by the Tatmadaw soldiers twice. My family had to be vigilant to avoid capture by soldiers.

"I studied until grade 4 in my village and went to a Missionary School in Thailand. During my first year, I faced many difficulties because in my former school I was taught in Burmese and Karen but now had to learn in English. However, together with my persistence and willingness of higher education, my English skills rose tremendously. After I graduated I went to volunteer at one of the migrant schools in Mae Sot as a Physics and Biology teacher and worked as an Assistant General Manager. I gained so much experience as well as face many problems as a manager. For example, I met some young students who are easily discouraged and it was very challenging for me to encourage not to give up on their studies.

"Most of the villagers couldn’t read and write but all the farmers, including my parents, are very talented in farming. But because there is no market access to sell or ship produce, many young people instead of going to school, risk their lives and going to work in another country like Thailand. Many of them are tricked into a bad situation. Knowing this always put a great load on me. I believe successful business that will support the economy of my village. After I graduate I want to work in my village. I have a passion for starting a business that will help families stay together and [be] free from fear of scarcity.” Naw Pwint is tenacious, strong - a fighter - and she has overcome so much already. We are so happy to be able to help her move closer to her goals and develop her passion!

(If you would like to sponsor a student like Naw Pwint through school or university, please contact us at Explore@ChaiLaiOrchid.com

Food is love

In October, we returned to Myanmar to deliver rice and other necessities to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from Karen State, forced from their homes and villages by conflict in the region. This is an ongoing project that we support with proceeds from our social business. But we wanted to find a way to involve our Chai Lai Orchid guests more, so we came up with the idea of ‘buy one GIVE one’ for every meal ordered from our Chai Lai Cafe. Launched in November, for every delicious, satisfying, steaming bowl of rice ordered by guests in our cafe, we provide the same for a person in need of a meal in Karen state.

Cocktails are buy 1 get 2, meals are buy one give one. So if you are in Chiang Mai come join us to eat drink and be merry!

Newsletter for Daughters Rising in Chiang Mai!

A heartwarming letter of gratitude from our student Kham.

A Letter of Thanks

Seeing the impact that our scholarship program makes in the lives of our students makes all of our hard work worthwhile. We recently received this heartwarming letter from one of the students we support, and we wanted to share it with you!

Dear Daughter Rising,

I am writing to thank you for supporting me for my education. I am so honored and grateful to be part of the Daughter Rising family and I appreciate your help more than I can say. Please know that I am ready to put all of my effort into studying, and I will do my best to prove to you I am worthy of your decision. 

Before the scholarship I faced some financial issues. Although my focus has been entirely on my studies, I tried to find a part-time job because I did not want to abandon my parents to send me money since they hardly earn enough for living for the whole family. However, due to time requirements and other criteria of jobs, I was not able to find one last semester. Financial problems made it hard to concentrate on my studies and to reach to my full potential in my studies, particularly in the challenging Third year curriculum. In addition, my family also desperately needed money for my mother's health. My mother has cervical cancer and in need of an operation and continued treatment. Thus, during that time it was really hard time for me. 

Fortunately, I got to know and work with Daughters Rising and Alexa. Your support for my school materials, visa fee and expenses during my Three months internship in Yangon helped so much as I did not receive any funds during my school break period. I love to work with Chai Lai Orchid and am really inspired by its vision. My parents are proud of me and so happy with it. And this has been my proudest moments- that I earned to support myself and didn’t need to ask for money from my parents for my school. Now they will have sometime to take care of themselves instead of working overtime at night after long tired work on the farm. If I get enough financial support, I can put most of my time into studying and reach my potential fully so I don't have to ask for money from home. I would like to thank for your support, it is really important for my education and to achieve my goal: become a knowledgeable social worker.  

A Daughter Rising scholarship is a great help to me in paying for my educational expenses and allowing me to concentrate more of my time for studying. I will use this funding for direct education costs such school materials, books, uniform and Visa fee. In addition, I have received a full scholarship for my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (BASS) degree from Chiang Mai University and a partial scholarship from Brackett for one year and I borrowed a loan from Zomia. This covers the food, accommodation, transportation and health emergency each year. This is the entire total of support source for my next coming year. 

Therefore, I want to thank every one of you again from the bottom of my heart for having confidence in me and awarding me the funding for education. I pledge that I will study hard to make your confidence in me worthwhile. 

Sincerely,
Kham

Sometimes this work is really hard on your heart

Victories, and Challenges

Hearing how much our scholarship support helps Kham and our other students feels like a huge victory. But the last few months have also had their challenges. Sometimes this work is really hard on your heart.

This month we worked on a rescue that involved a very young victim of sex trafficking- a young girl who was being sold by her mother. Since at 14 she was still a child, it was a struggle for us to know exactly how to help. Luckily we received amazing support and help from The Hug Project, The Hug Project is a Thai Foundation that works with the royal Thai police to conduct undercover investigations, rescue children and bring perpetrators to justice. Boom helped us act quickly to get the girl out of the abusive situation and into safe hands at a local safe house. They helped us act quickly to get the girl out of the abusive situation and into safe hands at a local safe house. We are so grateful that they were able to help us handle such a scary and complicated situation.

However her journey is not done. For survivors, it can be extremely difficult to work past abusive situations like this, particularly when abuse starts young. So while she is physically safe at last, she still has a long road ahead of her and needs a lot of support to lead a happy and healthy life. This situation brought into clear focus why our preventative work at Daughters Rising is so imperative. We work to prevent trafficking from ever happening in the first place. Undoing trauma can be a lifelong challenge, but when girls are empowered, educated and supported, they have the strength and ability to take their life into their own hands.

Seeing strong educated young women become role models

Student Outreach & Dreams Come True

After a super successful Youth English Summer Camp led by Daughters Rising team member Golo and a group of volunteers, we have been continuing to foster relationships with local schools and community groups. Golo now runs weekly youth classes and workshops in five different local villages. The students range in ages from preschoolers to high school students, and the workshops include English and life-skills lessons as well as fun games and crafts.

Additionally, the students that we support in university who were visiting Chai Lai joined in to volunteer with the workshops. These underserved communities were in many ways similar to their own. Seeing strong educated young women- who are refugees themselves fleeing violence- passionately give back and become role models was one of our dreams come true. They say, "if you can't see it, you can't be it." So having these incredible women getting degrees at prestigious universities demonstrate that it IS possible to achieve your highest goals, made our whole project come heartwarmingly full-circle.

One recent workshop was spearheaded by some friends from Bangkok who led a craft session teaching notebook and candle making! We look forward to many more fun and educational workshops and to continuing to strengthen our relationships with the local communities.

Daughters Rising sponsored students head to Chai Lai to enjoy time off from their studies

Fun on summer break

During their summer break, some of our sponsored students- Julia, Seng, Sue and Lae Lae- came to spend time with us at Chai Lai.

We might take for granted going home to visit our families on school breaks, but for students from Burma, this is often impossible. People with student visas in Thailand are not allowed to work, so travel comes as a huge financial obstacle. For this reason we invite our students to stay with us at The Chai Lai Orchid during their school breaks where we can support them and take them on adventures!

This summer they went on some fun trips in the surrounding area, volunteered with our youth initiatives and most importantly, got to spend plenty of time relaxing with each other.

Here is a peek at some of their adventures!

As always, thank you for your ongoing interest and support of our work! You are all a special part of the Chai Lai / Daughters Rising Tribe, and we would like to take the opportunity to extend to you a friends and family coupon code! Use code: SchoolDay to receive 10% off on your next booking with us. (Or pass the code on to share the love with your own friends and family!)

Thank you again for making our work possible!!

From Burma to Bangkok: The Long Road to Education

A seven year-old girl travels with her family from her home in southern Shan State, Burma, to the Maela Refugee camp in Tak, Thailand. The long and arduous journey takes the family of five (mum, dad and two sisters, aged four and 14) four days by bus, with numerous stops along the way to walk through army checkpoints. Behind them, the family farm smoulders, burnt to the ground by the Burmese military because the child’s parents refused to turn their small, subsistence farm into a commercial castor-oil enterprise for the government.  The little girl would go on to spend the next 10 years of her life in the largest refugee camp on the Thai Burmese border. Today, along with her older sister, she now enjoys life outside the camp. But her parents and younger sister remain.

That little girl is called Julia. Soon, she will turn 20. And she has just entered the second semester of a four-year Bachelor Degree in Communication Arts at Bangkok University.  Julia is pretty, petite, vivacious and bursting with positivity. She speaks energetically and passionately about her studies, the opportunities she has received in the last few years, and about growing up in the refugee camp. She has little memory of life before.    

Becoming a refugee

As part of a drive to develop bio-fuel resources for export, in 2005 the Burmese military regime began systematically ordering small local farmers to grow castor oil. Those who refused, especially in southern Shan State, had their land confiscated. Villagers found themselves working as forced labour to plant seeds. Others, including Julia’s family, were compelled to leave their homes and livelihoods behind and become reluctant migrants.

Farmers in Myanmar

For many, like Julia’s parents, farming was all they knew; and all they felt able to do to survive. Julia explains, “Both my parents were illiterate. There was no other job they could do. If they grew castor oil for the government, what would the family eat? They didn’t want to give up their farm, so the government burnt it down. The other villagers advised us to leave for our safety. That’s why we moved to the refugee camp.”

Ethnically Lisu, Julia and her family were more marginalised than most. With Tibetan-Burman roots, the Lisu in Mayanmar form a population of approximately 600,000. The majority, 85%, are Evangelical Christian.  Maela is by far the largest of Thailand’s northern refugee camps, comprising some 6,700 households, amounting to about 37,000 people (The Border Consortium, August 2018). Julia recalls that her family faced prejudice and opposition inside the camp because of their background. Even Karen inhabitants, who make up the majority of the camp’s population, were wary of them and often accused them of being spies for the government! “Most of the people in the camp had suffered at the hands of the Burmese military”, says Julia. “They burned their houses and killed their wives! But we also faced opposition from the Karen people in the camp. They threw stones at our house.”

Inside the camp

It is an understatement to say that life in the refugee camp was (and is) in any way easy! In addition to the risks to the safety, health and wellbeing of individuals, particularly girls and women, parents face the challenge of how to earn a basic salary in order to feed their families. It is illegal to travel outside the camp without the appropriate documentation which is difficult and expensive to obtain. And the consequences for those who do, if caught, can be dire. Education for children presents its own challenges! 

Though schools teaching in Karen, and a small number in English, do operate in the camp, for children such as Julia and her siblings who grew up speaking Lisu and Burmese, this was not ideal.  At first, it was very difficult for Julia as she could not understand her teacher’s language. Now, she is fluent in Karen, Thai and English! 

“We are always facing challenges! But I am one of the lucky ones.”- Julia

Initially, school and studies were a struggle but Julia worked hard. She was eager and determined to learn. She studied up to Grade 11 in the camp school, an achievement which for many children soon results in an educational dead end! Certificates and awards are not officially recognised beyond the camp.

Hope for a Way Out

Each year the Minmahaw Higher Education Program (MHEP) visits the refugee border camps to select students to study at the migrant schools in Mae Sot. The selection process is rigorous, with only 24 places available for hundreds of children from 9 camps. Only those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds are chosen. Then, they must sit through an interview and an exam. 

According to the Burmese Migrant Workers’ Education Committee (BMWEC), migrant schools on the Thailand-Burma border are continually faced with budget difficulties. One consequence of this is that the matriculation exam pass rate at Burmese migrant schools in Mae Sot remains very low, compared to the national average in Thai schools. However, that said, migrant students gain skills they would otherwise be denied within camp schools. In addition to being able to study for their GED, the schools help students prepare for what’s ahead, as Julia explains:

“I’m very grateful to the school. The school is very nice. It changed half of my life. I didn’t know how to write essays, apply for scholarships, how to write a CV  - everything! The school trained us for everything and helped us prepare.” Through the school Julia was also able to obtain a passport. Crucial if she was to achieve her dream of studying at the university in Bangkok. 

For migrant students, higher education is beyond reach without sponsorship. As international students, tuition fees, administration costs and living costs unavoidably exceed those of local students.  Following unsuccessful applications to several NGOs, Julia heard about Daughters Rising’s scholarship programme through a friend. She applied -  and was accepted.  “At that time, I was so happy I cried!” says Julia. With sponsorship behind her, Julia was able to focus on studying for the University entrance exam which she sat in May 2018. She passed, and was accepted into her degree course. But there was still a long way to go. Julia had to learn how to fly!

Busy bustling airports, check-in desks (if we can find them) and immigration can be daunting experiences for many of us even if we are seasoned travellers. Imagine how challenging this must have been for a teenage girl, far from her family, taking a flight for the first time alone, and having to communicate in a language that is not even her second language!

“After I got my acceptance letter from the school I had to go back to Yangon to the Thai embassy to get a visa. And then to come legally into Thailand we have to come by flight. That was the first time I went on a plane. 

“I travelled by myself! 

“I felt so nervous because I never flew before! But I can’t just rely on others so I searched on Google how to do the check-in and how to go there and I had to prepare a lot! The second time I came to Bangkok [to start at University], I took a flight too!”

University and beyond

When asked about life at university, Julia speaks excitedly about her studies, an arts-based degree that ‘prepares students to meet the challenges and demands of the ever-changing field of communication by providing a broad range of communication skills.’  (Course prospectus). She explains some of the challenges she continues to face as a student from Burma living in Bangkok; and shares with us about her hopes for the future, after completing her degree:

We learn about technology and how to make presentations. We listen to motivational talks from visiting female industry / business leaders. We learn about the culture of other countries. This helps students to think critically; to form different perspectives. The course is really interesting. It really opened my mind. The course is taught in English but most native speakers don’t seem to care. Often they don’t come to school even! But we [overseas students] have to sit in the front row because we have to really study.

I have never been in a big city like this before. The first time I was in Bangkok I was so afraid to use the escalator. And even in the elevator I didn’t know what to press. I had to wait for someone to come and wait for them to press it! It’s kind of scary but funny too. I learnt a lot this year. I was really productive this year.”

Julia has also faced her fair share of prejudice living in Bangkok, despite being a student at the university, as she explains:

When walking along the road, most people assume I am a maid. They ask me which house I am  working at. Or they ask, ‘Are you a cleaner at school? Most of the professors at my school are not biased. They give a chance to those who are eager to study,  I have only completed one semester so far so I don’t have many friends. There is only one guy from Burma. Most of the foreign students are rich or Thai.  The other students want me to hang out with them all the time but I cannot because I don’t have money and I have to study. So I stay by myself. Many of them are not serious about studying. But for me it means there are many challenges. But I don’t really care about that. I am learning for my future. After my studies I want to work for Burma Link. If the border refugee camps close, this is an organisation that will help people who get repatriated to Burma. They will serve as mediators between the returning refugees and the local community where they will go to stay. My dream is to work for that organisation, or another NGO. I want to help others, to give back. My Plan B, if the Thai government allows people to stay, is to work for another NGO that helps promote the education of the refugee children.”

Julia has come a long way since leaving her farm - her home - as that little 7 year old girl almost 13 years ago. It has been a lonely journey and understandably she misses her family very much. She last saw them over 7 months ago.

 “Sometimes when I study I feel very depressed. But I remember, I feel, that I am the lucky one among my family and my relatives. Most people in the camp cannot even go outside of the camp. When they finish grade 12 they just get married and have kids. Even though I face difficulties, I am always pleased with my current life. Now, I can help others.”

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About Julia’s degree programme

Course: Bachelor Degree in Communication Arts, Bangkok University

Total duration : 4 years

Semester duration : 14 weeks. One academic year is two semesters of 14 weeks each with optional summer courses. (If students opt in to the summer courses, this cuts the total duration of the degree to 3.5 years.) 

Tuition fee/semester (for international students): 65,000 THB

Non-residential fee/semester : 10,000 THB

Accommodation, food & general living expenses / semester: 28,000 THB 

Total costs/semester : 103,000 THB / Approx. $3,230 USD

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MAKING AN IMPACT

In 2017, Daughters Rising sponsors 7 girls from local Karen communities and refugee children from Burma, through University programmes in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

As a small grassroots organisation we have very limited resources. Funds quickly become exhausted. But we are passionate to provide more girls like Julia with opportunities to further their education; education which in turn leads to empowerment, employment, and the confidence to inspire others. 

Almost without exception, the girls and young women that Daughters Rising has supported to date, either through community-based projects, higher education, or within our Chai Lai Orchid hospitality training programme, have expressed a desire to return to their home villages in northern Thailand or Burma, to support their local communities in some way. They wish to become educators themselves. Or start their own home stays, restaurants or other small businesses. Like Julia, they aim to use their opportunities to help others!

Additional sources:

BNI Multimedia Group, 2009. Myanmar Peace Monitor

Kathrin Wessendorf, The Indigenous World, 2008

Meet one of our students: Seng

 

How would your friends describe you?

I am a good singer and I'm cute and smart!! Sometimes I sing too much and annoy my friends.

What the biggest challenge you've overcome to get to this point?

Honestly, money! I'm afraid to be poor. When I was young I had to live with my friend's parents and work for them.

My parents divorced. I’ve never seen my dad’s face - he disappeared when I was tiny. I thought he was dead, but I found out in 2012 that he was working in Thailand. Soon after Dad left, Mum went to work in Kachin state and she was arrested for selling drugs and sent to prison.

So I worked every morning making soybean snacks at my friends house, then I would go to school every day, then work again after 4pm. I made the equivalent to 15THB per day which I spent on my uniform and tuition fees. You have to pay a tutor or they won't let you pass your exams. I sent some money to my grandparents too.

I've worked all my life. After I graduated I went to China to work as a waitress. I saved 22500THB to go to university, but I ended up spending it on my sister because she needed it for school.

Then I found a non-profit organisation that teaches Shan history and English and studied there for free, in Shan state. It was very strict there! I couldn’t drink or have boyfriends. I had to pay 40,000THB to them because I broke the rules and had a boyfriend. But because I didn't have any money they said I had to work for them as a teacher for two years. I had 150 students. The people at that organisation really looked down on me, and because I was poor they said I wouldn't be able to study anywhere else. So I said, let's see about that! I found work with a political party Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, and because of that experience I could apply for a scholarship to learn English at the university. SNLD paid 1150THB per month; I taught Shan to a rich family who paid me 1000THB a month; I also translated books between Burmese and Shan. All of the money I made, I saved to go to university. I even made bracelets and clothes to sell, and every kyat went into my savings.

Eventually I had enough money to apply to study in Thailand. I applied for several scholarships, but I didn't hear back from any organisation. The leader of SNLD gave me 15,000 THB because they were so grateful for my help - enough to make the trip and try my luck.

After I came here, I found out I couldn't get any scholarships, and everything was more expensive than I expected - rent, visa, everything. I was heartbroken and started getting ready to go back to Burma. Then  three days before I was going to leave, Daughters Rising emailed me and offered me a sponsorship - I was so happy and relieved.

Who inspires you and why?

My grandmother, because since I was young, she has supported all of her 6 granddaughters to go school, first with a clothes shop, and then by working in a farm. She always taught us not to drink, take drugs, gamble or spend all my time with boys, so that we stay focused and don't turn out like my mum.

I don’t really have a relationship with my parents. I called them when I arrived here in Thailand to see if they would support me, but they ignored my messages. Then, when my mum needed me because she couldn't work due to an injury, she asked me for money! It made me feel sad and angry. I feel like my grandmother is the one who has really been a mother to me.

My grandmother passed away two years ago and I miss her every day.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your money?

I would fix my house in Kachin state. It's very old and the roof leaks when it rains. Five of my sisters live there, and I wish I could make their life more pleasant.

They are not as brave as me so I would like to help them achieve their dreams. My little sister loves sewing and making traditional Shan clothing… I'd love to help to pay for her to study in Yangon so that she could be a designer.

I’d also really like my grandfather to stop working. I want him to be able to relax in his old age!

How do you think Daughters Rising sponsorship has impacted your future?

I don't know how I can thank Daughters Rising. Before I knew about them I had to work constantly and worry about finding jobs to fund my studies. Now, I can concentrate on my studies without this anxiety and begin to think about how to chase my dreams.  

Alexa has looked after me so well. She threw a birthday party for me and always makes sure that I have everything I need - not only books, but clothes, bags - everything. She takes care of me as if I am family.

What is your proudest achievement?

I feel proud of myself for the way that I have overcome all my problems by myself. I know that am so strong. No matter what, I can do what I need to do.

What is one thing you would change to make the world a better place?

The struggles of my family have shown me that people should be so sure when they get married that they really love each other. Then, they should love their children and look after them. When I was a teacher, many of my students had been sold to the army by their parents, because their parents had drug problems or didn't use contraceptives and couldn't afford to look after their children. There needs to be better health and sex education, and easier access to contraception. This would have a very positive impact in Burma.

Sex Trafficking in The Federated States of Micronesia

By Olivia Terrobias
The Federated States of Micronesia, or FSM, is an independent sovereign island nation and also a United States associated state. It is located near the U.S. territory of Guam, in Micronesia.

FSM is a source country for women who are trafficked into forced prostitution.
The women of FSM are exploited for forced sex trafficking primarily in the United States and the nearby U.S. territory of Guam.

The groups of people that are the most vulnerable to trafficking in FSM include foreign migrant workers and Micronesian women and young girls. FSM women are promised well paying jobs in the United States and the territory of Guam, but are tricked into human trafficking through forced prostitution.

FSM women are exploited because they are seen as an easy target, coming from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Jobs are pretty scarce, the economy is tough, and education is extremely lacking when compared to U.S. standards. With the minimum wage being just $1.60 in the FSM island of Yap, job opportunities abroad are highly sought after.

Women are allegedly exploited into prostitution by crew members of Asian fishing vessels docked in FSMs shores. The U.S. Territory of Guam is well known as being a sex trafficking destination for military and tourist men. "Special" massages are even advertised openly by people handing out flyers in the tourist district of Tumon, Guam. FSM women are tricked into forced prostitution there.

Local authorities claim that many sex trafficking cases remain largely unreported because of victims’ fear of being shamed and embarrassed in FSM’s very small, family-based communities. 

The people of FSM are typically very conservative and put their family's reputation and care above all else. According to the 2010 population census, the FSM island Kosrae had only 6,616 people living on it. These island nation communities are very close knit. Shame and embarrassment toward the individual and their family could spread very quickly if a victim were to report a case of sex trafficking.

FSM women are looking for better socioeconomic opportunities to support themselves and their families. And unfortunately, some take advantage of this and exploit them for forced prostitution.

The problem of sex trafficking in FSM is complex, but one helpful and actionable route is to continue to educate local women on the red flags and warning signs of potential trafficking situations so that they can be avoided.



Sources: 

https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2016/258822.htm

https://www.minimum-wage.org/international/federated-states-of-micronesia