The following is an article that reinforces the Marist Fathers and Brothers mission of education and, in particular, how that mission is helping people on the other side of the world.
The Marists operate Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy in Pontiac, Mich.
Kyaw Naing knows more than most of us just how precious education is. He has gone from collecting rubbish to studying at university through Marist Mission Ranong (Thailand). Here is his story.
My name is Kyaw Naing. I was born in April 7, 1986. I attended school when I was five years old. Our village has only grade four, so in order to attend grade five, one needs to go another place (Long Lo), which is almost two miles from our village.
After I passed grade one, I told my mom several times, “Mom, after I complete grade four, buy a bicycle for me to study grade five!” Unfortunately, I had to leave the school after I finished grade two because of financial problems. I thought it was temporary, but it was not temporary.
In 1997, my family had come to Kaw Thaung for work. I worked as a water seller. I earned 50 kayos per day and I gave this to my mom. I also worked as a garbage collector every evening. While I was collecting garbage, I always saw many students on the road who wore green Long Gyi and white shirts. I was sad because I wanted to be like them but I thought I have no chance to attend the school. I even told myself, “You are not to become a student in this life.” Every time when I pray, I strongly wished to complete school and to be a university student for a better life. Unluckily, my family income was not enough so my parents planned to go Thailand.
In 1999, my family arrived in Ranong for work. We were placed in a charcoal factory where I’m living and working now. Fortunately, I got a friend named Aung Htway who finished ten standards in Myanmar school. I suddenly said to him, “I want to be like you.” He was surprised and he asked a lot of questions to me. I explained my experiences to him and he felt sorry for me, so he decided to teach me but he was available only for one month.
My first lessons were A-P-P-L-E, B-A-L-L, C-A-T, and O-R-A-N-G-E, etc. He suggested that I buy a Burmese text-book and English-Myanmar dictionary book. After one month, he went back to Myanmar. I bought many text-books and an English-Myanmar dictionary book and I read but I did not really understand. I continued my self-studying when I had free time.
After eight years, I could read Burmese a little bit and I knew English vocabularies but I could not speak English. Luckily, I met my friend Aung Htway again. He introduced me to his friend Chit Soe who is learning computer studies at the Community Centre which is a part of the Marist Mission Ranong (MMR).
When I was twenty two years old, I became one of the computer students at MMR. While I was learning computer studies, I heard an announcement: “Teacher Ta Ta and teacher Ronal will offer English classes in the evening.” I was so happy and I joined the class. My beginner level was taught by teacher Ta Ta. I did not understand what Ta Ta explained during the class, but I guessed what the teacher means. Fortunately, I passed beginner class with 65%. Then, I joined intermediate level which was taught by teacher Ronald. I was the worst one in the class. I was the one who put his hand up first when the teacher ask “Who wants to study online (Australia Catholic University).”
When I spoke English, my classmates laughed and teased me and also my teacher did not understand what I’m talking about. But my teacher liked me because I spoke confidently. I recorded the teaching everyday with my computer and I listened at home again. After three years learning with teacher Ronald, I could understand what the teacher explained and my English speaking was getting better.
In 2012, I had an opportunity to join a group called “Future Group” which was an MMR group teaching the kids especially who are out of school. In Future Group, all tutors spoke in English, taught in English and also I had to share with others in English. After a few months my English had improved, so teacher Ronald told me, “Kyaw Naing you can join Australia Catholic University next time.” I was so happy I could not sleep the whole night. I told my family and I told my friends that teacher Ronal said that I can join Australia Catholic University next time.”
But some friend teased me “You are silly. How come? You just left from grade two in Myanmar. How can you join? You are such a dreamer!”. I challenged them “No! I will try. I can do it.” I decided to spend all my time in study. I studied very hard. Every day I studied from 7 p.m. to midnight and I listened to English Conversation while I was working in daylight. I wrote vocabularies on the white board hanging in my room and work place. I spent more than eight hours per day for my study through more than a year including our evening class. My neighbors, friends and classmates thought that I was “being crazy in study.” They worried and they suggested I spend more time for my own pleasure.
Amazingly, I was changed completely. My teachers, neighbors, friends, and my classmates were surprised by my improving. They congratulated me. After I studied two months in the MMR Bridging program, I sat the entrance exam for ACU. I PASSED! I was very happy and I even cried at home and I could not sleep the whole night. Now I’m an Australia Catholic University student!
About the Marist Mission Ranong
Ranong is a fishing village in the South of Thailand where migrant Burmese come to escape conflict and poverty in their own country. The Marist Mission Ranong seeks to help Burmese refugees by offering educational opportunities, supporting their basic health needs, and assist migrants as they seek a better future for themselves and their children.
About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.