Fourteen-year-old Min fled Myanmar with his family in search of safety and education after conflict forced them from their home. Now living in a refugee camp on the Thai‑Myanmar border, Min dreams of continuing his studies and one day becoming a priest to help others facing hardship.
Min is the youngest of seven boys. After his father’s passing, some of his older brothers left the camp to work and support the family, while two continue their studies. His mother continues to encourage Min to focus on his education and stay in the boarding house where he can study in a safe and quiet environment.
“I am determined to study hard to build a better life. Right now my favourite subject is English,” he says. “If I didn’t go to school, I would be working at home or going to the forest to collect bamboo.”
“Thank you to everyone in Australia for your compassion. You give me hope and the opportunity to help bring positive change to my people.”
Min
Since the military coup in Myanmar, millions like Min have been forced to flee violence and compulsory military recruitment, with families continuing to seek safety and education across the border.
Despite the uncertainty, Min remains hopeful for the future and dreams of attending university after finishing Grade 12.
“My dream is to become a priest because I want to share my beliefs and help vulnerable people, especially those fleeing from their villages and hiding in the forest,” he says. “I still worry for my relatives in Myanmar who remain affected by the conflict.”
Through Jesuit Mission’s Sustaining Education for Burmese Refugees Project, our partner KnED provides quality basic education in two border refugee camps. In 2025 alone, nearly 11,000 people were supported through the program.
“Thank you to everyone in Australia for your compassion. You give me hope and the opportunity to help bring positive change to my people,” says Min.
Find out more about this program
This story comes from Reflections Winter 2026.
Contents include:
- A legacy continued, India
- Dreaming beyond borders, Myanmar
- A future once thought impossible, Cambodia
- Where seeds of hope take root, Timor-Leste
- Helping children find their voice, Myanmar
- Plus more from our 75th anniversary celebrations, including stories from long-time supporter sand volunteers
