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!
