Student's Struggle Memoirs

Students at Minmahaw Post-10 School, Class B, worked on writing, revising, and editing their own memoirs. Students focused on struggles in their own lives. This is the final version of their project, which was printed in book form for each student.


A Dark Spot in our Lives

*Shout-out to Christina Zawerucha for project materials.

After a very short six weeks, classes have finished in Mae Sot. My students at Minmahaw threw a farewell party for me. There were speeches and traditional snacks. There was singing. I was presented with a gift, a very elegant black longyi. This I put on and tied with some skill, if I do say so myself, and greatly pleased the crowd.

On the last day of class I asked my students, if they could send a message to people in America, what would that message be? This is how they responded . . .

“If I could send a message to American, it would be about our Burmese people difficulties and to ask help for those people.” T.A.T.

“You have good dream.” M.Z.

“I would talk about my school. I would like to talk about children. When they have conflict, they should solve easily.” K.S.H.

“To help our country about economic and education. And discuss our government and the way of good doing.” L.L.

“If I could send a message to America, I want to tell about Burma democracy and invite to visit to Burma.” T.

“I will send a message to America, that will be about our school. That it not enough food for students.” J.

“Hello! My name is Si Thu. I want to talk about my school (MEF) in Mae Sod. We are poor people in Burma. We came in Mae Sod for our education so we want volunteer teacher to come and help our school.” S.T.

“It would be warming up U.S. people about Burmese issue. I want America to know more about real life of Burmese people.” K.Z.

“You will be happy and more miss us.” H.N.O.

“I am a Burmese who have been hoping for help for Burmese people. However, can you help to stop to build nuclear weapon?” Anon.

“If I could send a message to America, I would like to say please help to release Daw Aung San Su Kyi before the election. And please help us to get democracy. Thanks Mr. Obama so much! I hope that you will do good job for our country.” M.M.

“We (people from Burma) want America to give pressure to Burmese government. Sometime to use violence a reaction to SPDC by USA.” S.

“To oppress Burma government to release Aung San Su Kyi and political prisoners.” A.K.M.

“Please, stop sanctions to Burma. Sanctions can affect on public but not for government. China and Russia support Burma. There are many jobless in Burma. I want you to help Burmese people and to get democracy.” T.T.