My name is Evergreen and I
am twenty-three years old. When I was a child I lived in Htee Pah Doh Hta village,
Brigade 1, Pa-an District. Since childhood I have lived under the administration
of the SPDC with difficulties. Though I lived in difficulties my mom and dad tried
very hard to take care of me so I could go to school and fulfill my wish. I have
seven brothers and sisters and I am the middle one. As we have many brothers and
sisters my parents had to try very hard so that we could go to school. Under the
control of the SPDC the soldiers harm villagers and destroy many things, sometimes
killing innocent villagers. With difficulty I attended school up to KGA. The SPDC
killed many people. They shot my father dead. Since my father died I wanted to
continue my study but my mother could not afford to send me to school. I stayed
home one year. Then my mom tried to find means and ways to send me to school.
She sent me to the refugee camp at Ka Htee Hta and there I stayed with my cousin
until I finished Grade 4. At that time the situation had become chaotic and Buddhist
Karen formed the DKBA and I could not contact my mom and I did not go to school
for two years. The next year I went back to my mom and she sent me to Mae Kong
Kha Karen Refugee Camp until I finished seventh grade. My mom could no longer
send me to school. I therefore requested a friend for help so that I could continue
my school until I finished high school. I promised to work hard to repay the money.
My friend agreed to help so I had the opportunity to attend Ler Paw Her Mission
High School till I finished tenth grade. After that my mom tried to counsel me
so that I could get into Further Studies Program School. I had to struggle hard
because my mom could not support me. After finishing one year I tried to find
means and ways so that I could finish my studies. Since my childhood till now
I went to school in refugee camps and the expenditure incurred was less and even
though my mom could not afford to support me, I myself struggled hard and till
now I am still able to stay in school.