Lway Aye Htay

Ethnically Ta’ang, Lway Aye Htay began her life in a village free from conflict. The eldest of three siblings, she was in charge of cooking and carrying the water while her parents worked on their farm. She has fond childhood memories of playing with friends and especially loved the cats that her family raised. She studied hard at school and dreamed of being a teacher. After failing to pass Standard 10 she decided to go to China to work. She got a job cutting sugar cane. She returned home from time to time to help her family.

In 2018, when she was 21, Lway Aye Htay seized the opportunity to go to a government technological school where she learned how to fix machines and electrical appliances. Shortly after completing her first year, her happiness was shattered when fighting came to her village. An artillery shell fell on her house, instantly killing her father and injuring her mother. As the eldest daughter, Lway Aye Htay stepped up to help her small family. She was unable to continue at her technological school.

Her body carries the scars of childhood accidents as she struggles to help her family survive.

“My symbol is a flower because a flower can be used in different places. A flower is fresh and happy. I am fresh and happy, so I chose a flower.”

She is still determined to become a teacher. For her country, she wants equality without discrimination based on ethnicity, justice, and a genuine government that listens to the voices of the people.