Educate One Empower Thousands 2024

Our students at We women are all hardworking women who serve their communities all in their own ways.  When we got the request from Nang Kham Lao to support her, there was no doubt that we would not fulfill her request, as some of the applicants are already role models in their communities. Nang Lao is one of them, she has been leading many young people on their path towards community workers. It is amazing how dedicated she is, always ready to keep growing and to share her knowledge.

Please read her words here: 

“My life-changing journey began in a remote, underprivileged village in Northern Shan State, Myanmar. Tracing back to my family's experience of financial hardship since I was young, my parents relied solely on any difficult available work in our village and town to make a living and survive. At a young age, my siblings and I assisted our parents by selling vegetables for family income on weekends. I learned from that experience the importance of working hard and being a resourceful person for my family. Despite difficulties, I always aspired to escape from the limits of my poor village life and hoped for opportunities to pursue higher education and make a better living. I had promised myself since. Moreover, it served as the push factor for a very poor girl like me. Being a girl and dreaming big was not expected in my community. I faced more challenges. People in my village thought girls should only do certain things, following the traditional norms and not dreaming big. Getting married early and staying at home was very common in my village. However, I wanted more, and I could do more than that. With the support of my family and relatives, I was motivated to break free from social beliefs and norms and achieve my dream. 

Becoming a teacher at a very well known School for the underprivileged youth in an ethnic area is my most inspiring and personal growth milestone. Since 2012, I have served the students at this school. I could never thank the school enough for the opportunity to have been able to make this journey. My position goes beyond teaching; it is a calling to make a difference in the lives of many young children. As an educator and principal, my primary responsibility is to monitor and manage all aspects of the school’s operation, including managing and assessing the effectiveness of teaching and learning and carrying out extracurricular activities that address the diverse needs of our students, which are both an academic purpose and social skills. Through my leadership, I have enhanced the quality of our school and made education more inclusive than ever for many children, primarily from conflict-affected and marginalized communities. Moreover, I have ensured that students are nurtured with essential literacy, numeracy, and other essential skills. My efforts are not only for this School but also for a brighter future for all the students I have served and beyond. 

The country's political crisis since the military takeover has created many negative consequences, especially a sense of hopelessness for the future among children. Moreover, it is more challenging for children to have an opportunity for schooling as they are trapped in conflict areas with no security.  I believe that strong leadership and innovative skills are required to rebuild our generation's future. My deep commitment is to enhance my leadership and management skills. So, I am studying for the Master of Management Online International Program at the College of Management.

The opportunity to study and work simultaneously is undoubtedly suitable for me. I can apply the concepts I learn from the program directly to my day-to-day responsibilities. The knowledge and skills can benefit my role as they bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application, allowing me to improve my leadership and management practices in time. Upon completing the program, I plan to utilize the acquired knowledge and skills to enhance my role in the School. I am thrilled to lead my school more effectively, implementing strategic decisions and fostering a productive, supportive teaching and learning environment. 

In conclusion, earning a Master of Management degree goes beyond academics. It has an academic purpose and is a deliberate investment in strengthening my leadership and management capabilities for myself, my organization and the community I am serving.”

Nang Lao is an amazing woman that is why I wanted to share her full story with you. I know that you as a supporter see the importance of being part of her journey. So the investment you made goes far beyond supporting one woman, Nang Lao reaches hundreds of students and more over the years. So thanks again for being part of this journey and thanks for doing it together with us!

Hug Ursula