07/03/2024
Featuring Knyaw community leader!
Q: What’s your name and where were you born?
A: My name is Naw New Temple Htun and I was born in Maw Poe Kay, Hpa-An District. Kawthoolei.
Q: What are your earliest memories?
A: I spent only a few years in my beautiful village before it was invaded by SPDC soldiers. A vivid childhood memory is of when we, along with other villagers, had to flee and hide beside the Moei River Bank under gunfire. We crossed the river into Thailand at midnight to escape the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council) soldiers and settled in a refugee camp called K’ Maw Lay Ko, where I began my life as a refugee.
Occasionally, we returned to our village to gather vegetables and fruits until it fell completely under SLORC control.
In 1988, my family moved to Wor Lay Village in Do PlaYa District, Karen State, where I started my studies as a Kindergarten student. I initially disliked being a Kindergarten student because it was meant for very young children. After three days, I told my mother I wouldn’t continue unless I could advance to Grade One. After a few weeks, my teacher assessed me, and I was permitted to move up. Unfortunately, Wor Lay came under SLORC control in 1990, forcing us to relocate again to the Maw Ker refugee camp in Thailand.
Q: Can you walk me through your educational experiences?
A: I graduated from Maw Ker High School in 1999. Despite many challenges, my elementary school years were filled with joy and good fellowship within our supportive Karen community. However, everything changed in 1996 with the establishment of the DKBA. Their activities instilled fear in us, as DKBA soldiers sometimes attacked and burned our camp.
As I approached the end of high school, I was deeply worried about my future education. At that time, there were very few English-teaching schools for post-grade ten students, and they were expensive. Many Grade Ten graduates typically became teachers, nurses, or entrepreneurs due to limited opportunities. Coming from an ordinary family, I was anxious about affording further education.
Fortunately, the Further Studies Program (FSP) was introduced, providing new opportunities for high school graduates. I took the entrance exam, passed, and was able to join the program. The FSP offered a challenging curriculum in GED subjects, but with the support of friends, teachers and family, I completed it while residing at the Mae La camp. Then in 2002, I participated in the ICFC program in Chiang Mai and completed the GED certificate. In 2004, I enrolled at Mission College and graduated with a degree in Education and Psychology in May 2008.
Q: What have been the major turning points in your life?
A: After graduation, I began working as a teacher in the Special English Program (SEP). When the former principal resettled to a third country, I was appointed principal. Managing the program was a significant challenge due to my limited management experience, but with support from seasoned colleagues, I successfully navigated this role. In 2008, SEP transitioned to a higher education program under the oversight of KRCEE. I continued teaching there for five years and found it deeply rewarding to see our graduates making positive contributions to their communities.
Q: Could you describe your journey to leading the Bureau of Basic Education at KECD?
A: In 2013, I joined KECD as a Basic Education Officer. With only a few staff in KECD at central level. Initially, I had to rely heavily on other staff members due to my lack of experience in the role, and I was also balancing my responsibilities as a mother to a toddler. However, I turned this challenge into a motivation to enhance my skills and performance. After a year, I gained a better understanding of my role and began to see areas where I could contribute more effectively to the department.
Q: Can you share some of the challenges you face?
A: Reflecting on my journey, I often felt undeserving of the positions I held due to my lack of formal qualifications and limited political knowledge. Growing up in a refugee camp, I had little understanding of the structure of Karen administrations, such as townships, districts, and centers. At times, I felt criticized for not meeting expectations in my roles. For instance, I was required to travel to my work field in Karen State, but couldn’t because I had no one to care for my toddler. Balancing work and childcare was challenging, making fieldwork difficult. Additionally, I felt that my lack of qualifications affected my ability to perform as effectively as I wanted to.
Q: What do you most appreciate about your role?
A: Despite the challenges, I take immense pride in contributing to the Karen Education and Culture Department. We often face criticism, but we remain steadfast and never give up. The Karen people deeply value peace, hard work, and perseverance, especially when it comes to their children's education, even in difficult times. Their unwavering dedication inspires me to work even harder to enhance Karen education.
Q: Do you have any words of encouragement for Karen youth?
A: We warmly invite all young Karen people living abroad to return and contribute to the advancement of Karen education. While encouragement is valuable, your presence and active involvement are crucial. We need your fresh ideas, skills, and knowledge of modern education to help propel our education department forward. Your participation is essential for our collective progress.
Learn more about KECD:
Karen Education & Culture Department
https://kecdktl.org/
