I started my GIST journey in exploring the countryside of Myanmar. I went to Bagan and explored their 11th-13th century temples. I visited Mandalay and learned the ancient Burmese civilization. I too traveled to Inlay and learned the fascinating and exotic culture of the Shan people. I was so nervous and hesitant to take that trip because it will be my first time to travel alone, but thanks to Hlahla's encouragement and support, I made it.
Speaking to people and taking heed to their stories everywhere I go make my day more colorful and meaningful. I enjoyed my conversation with the locals in Bagan, Mandalay & Inlay. Though language was a barrier into our communication, their hospitality and kindness were greatly manifested in their non-verbal gestures.
Myanmar is so beautiful and is really rich with refinement and innate resources. However, its beauty cannot hide the extreme poverty that is felt by the majority of its populace. One forenoon, I joined the farmers of Bagan in harvesting their beans and some lady servants in cleaning the palace one afternoon. All of them dreamed to experience a more honorable life, but alas they were hopeless and it's deplorable to hear their tales of hopelessness. For them, they were trapped in poverty because they don't have skills and instruction, tools they need to better their spirits. This norm is not true with Zan Zan, a 9 yr old son who sells post cards some sketches that he personally prepares.
Zan Zan came to me when I was talking with Uzon, a 10-year old boy who helped his older brother in hauling the barley. Zan Zan is so charming and witty. He was so smart in persuading me to buy his postcards and sketches by providing interesting information about it. His being outspoken made the conversation interesting.
"Where are you from?", he demanded. "I'm from the Philippines", I gently replied. "Do you have a a bill from your country?," he added. "Why?," I answered. "I am collecting bills from different countries and when I grow up and finish school, I will visit these countries." Zan Zan said. His response got my eyes bigger as I wowed. He made me proud of him. To shorten the story, I handed him a Philippine bill with a line that reads, "Zan Zan, keep up the good work. Study hard and never get tired of achieving your dreams. You can do it. See you in the Philippines! Love, Annalie Edday." I also wrote my email and home address on the bill. In return, Zan Zan gave me an old 1 Kyatt which is no longer available in their country. It was one of the best conversations I had in the country.
Among the major problems of Myanmar are lack of access to education and training. Like Zan Zan, every child dreams for a better future, but they could hardly achieve this if a bridge is not built for them just like with the children of Buriram, one of the poorest provinces in Thailand. A bridge from ignorance to education was built by Mechai Viravaidya in Lamplaimat, Kok Klang Sub District, Buriram. The vision of the school is to re-engineer rural education where pupils are happy and can fulfill their potential, which is adapted to its local environment and current technology.
In Mechai Pattana Bamboo School, I insured the actual land management and the school infrastructure and installations. I learned basic concepts on the Administration & Management of the School, Curriculum Development & Implementation/Class Schedule, Community Engagement Activities and their Sustainability Plans & Strategies. Taking all these concepts makes me even more stirred to my future plan of bridging better opportunities for the indigenous children in my region.
The GIST travels provided me with amazing network and ideas, invigorating and fun-filled experiences, delightful self-discovery moments and stunning pictures that are worth thinking back for a life. My Mahalo to East West Center and Asia Pacific Leadership Program for these learning bridges.