Graduation Book 2019 Front - thabyay.org · FELLOW BIOGRAPHY Gum San Awng is from Sadone, Kachin State. He graduated from Myanmar Institute of Theology with Social Studies and will

The Peace Leadership & Research InstituteGraduate Research Diploma in Peace Leadership

Honoring the Graduatesof

May 7, 2019

Graduate Research Diploma in Peace Leadership

Peace Leadership & Research Institute (PLRI) is an institution of higher learning affiliated with Thabyay Education Foundation. Established in 2018, the institute aims to cultivate a culture of responsible leadership and evidence-based decision making in the search for peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar. To do this, PLRI offers high quality training in conducting social science research to a diverse, talented, and passionate group of fellows from all over the country, and equips them for the leadership roles they are expected to take in the country’s struggling peace process. Graduate Research Diploma in Peace Leadership is a program which works in collaboration with national and international experts, including practitioners, leadership coaches, and leading academics in the peacebuilding sector. PLRI provides this year-long, highly intensive, and academically rigorous training to equip emerging leaders in Myanmar to make significant advances for peace. Thabyay Education Foundation believes that quality education for all is the fulcrum for the development of peaceful, socially just, democratic and prosperous societies. Since Thabyay was founded in 1996, we have worked to support people from Myanmar to access the education and professional development opportunities that they need to help their society achieve these goals.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

On behalf of the fellows, the Peace Leadership & Research Institute would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those individuals and organizations who supported the first year of the Graduate Research Diploma in Peace Leadership. PLRI extends our gratitude to the Joint Peace Fund for providing core funding and making this program possible. Furthermore, we would like to thank Friedrich Ebert Striftung and Forum of Federations for providing critical support throughout the program. Specifically, we are grateful for their assistance in arranging and co-hosting local and international experts to lead seminars, exposing fellows to important themes and concepts related to the national peace process, and for enabling fellows to collect data in a variety of locations throughout the country, making the research projects that we are now so proud of possible.


GRADUATION PROGRAM International Business Center, Yangon, Myanmar

May 7, 2019 10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON

1. Welcoming Remarks James MacMillan Program Coordinator/Instructor

2. PLRI Story Saw Myo Min Thu Executive Director

3. Commencement Address

4. Conferral of PLRI Diploma

5. Award of Academic Excellence

6. Award Speech

7. Overview of Research

8. Award of Research Excellence

9. Award Speech

10. Closing Remarks

11. Group Photo Taking Session

Karen MacArthur Canadian Ambassador to Myanmar & Chair of the Joint Peace Fund

Dr. Zin Mar Oo Director of Programs

Alexey Yusupov Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

Htet Lynn Oo Fellow of Academic Excellence

Radka Antalikova Research Instructor/Mentor

Representative Forum of Federations

Htoo Htet Naing & Kyaw Zin Lin Fellows of Research Excellence

Soundous Drissi Assistant Director of Programs

Graduating Fellows

Followed by a Reception & Entertainment: Saw Poe Khwar- One Love Band


COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS SPEAKER

Karen MacArthur, Ambassador of Canada to Myanmar

Ambassador Karen MacArthur holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Politics from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, and a LL.B. degree from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. MacArthur joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1998. She served in Ottawa in a number of positions and roles, including coordinator, political, and security related work, Y2K Secretariat (1998 to 2000); and director, Government On-Line (2000 to 2002), earning the Head of the Public Service Award.

From 2006 to 2009, Ms. MacArthur was posted to the Embassy to Japan, where she served as counsellor and head of the Political Section. Returning to Canada, she was senior departmental adviser in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2009 to 2011, and then from 2011 to 2015, director of the Southern and Eastern Africa Division, responsible for Canada’s diplomatic and trade relations with countries in the region. Before taking up her official duties in Myanmar in August 2016, MacArthur represented Global Affairs Canada in the National Security Programme for senior military and public service leaders at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.


THE GRADUATES

Gum San Awng Kachin State

Hnin Aye Hlaing Yangon Region

Htet Lynn Oo Ayeyarwaddy Region

Htoo Htet Naing Rakhine State

Kachin State

Shan State

Yangon Region

Kachin State

Chin State

Mon State

Yangon Region

Naypyidaw Territory

Shan State

Shan State

Ayeyarwaddy Region

Kinsa San Yi

Kyaw Min Oo

Kyaw Zin Lin

La Gyi Zau Lawn Mercy

Mang Hlei Iang Mi Aye

Khine

Moe Moe Naing

Myo Myo Kyaw

Nang May Thu Aung

Nang Zinzar Phyo Thant

Naw Sah Blute

Naw Wai Hnin Kyaw Yangon Region


Nyan Tun Aung Nagaland

Saw Mar Gay Htoo Tanintharyi Region

Soe Soe Nwe Tanintharyi Region

Thura Aung Mon State

Win Win May Yangon Region

AWARDS Certificate of Academic Excellence Awarded to Htet Lynn Oo for

attaining the highest overall grade point average for the 2018-2019 academic year

Certificate of Research Excellence Awarded to Htoo Htet Naing &

Kyaw Zin Lin for executing an outstanding research project within the field of peace and conflict studies


FELLOW BIOGRAPHY

Gum San Awng is from Sadone, Kachin State. He graduated from Myanmar Institute of Theology with Social Studies and will soon obtain a diploma in Political Science at Yangon University. Before, he worked as an intern in Media, Research, and Peace, and he also volunteered with student organizations and in social work. His research project is on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and Myanmar Peace Process at Peace Leadership & Research Institute, Thabyay Education Foundation. His goal is to contribute with his efforts to the process of change in

the country. After learning about peace and conflict studies at PLRI, Gum San has come to know that the source of conflict in every society is injustice and inequality. “Studying peace and conflict studies at PLRI is one of the greatest chances for me. I

am confident to apply and contribute with my knowledge that I learned at PLRI.”

Hnin Aye Hlaing is from Yangon, Myanmar. When she was 19 years old, she received a Bachelor Degree from East Yangon University. After, she attended a diploma course in English at Yangon University of Foreign Languages. When she was 22 years old, she studied for a Master of Arts in Community Development Studies at Myanmar Institute of Theology. At PLRI, she completed research on how constitution making can be used as a conflict resolution mechanism for achieving peace in Myanmar. Her goal is to be a political analyst in

Myanmar. She has plans to study more about political science, meanwhile, she is contributing to community development services in Myanmar.“PLRI gave me a chance to learn and analyze different perspectives of different ethnic groups in

Myanmar and provoked me to contribute to the Myanmar peace process.”


Htet Lynn Oo is a young and active Burmese peacebuilder from Ayeyarwaddy Region. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations at University of Yangon. He studied at short-term courses in Human Security Development and Energy Science at Kyoto University in Japan and Leadership at Indiana University in the United States. Additionally, he has the experience of attending workshops and training in Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Recently, his research proposal won the Emerging Young Researchers

Initiative. Currently, he is working as a trainer and project leader at Myanmar Youth for Peace Development (a youth-led initiative). Moreover, he worked as a program intern at the Salween Institute of Public Policy. At PLRI, his research titled “Collaboration as a Plus for Peace” aimed to study the level of youth collaboration in order to increase youth participation in peace-building activities in Myanmar. His future plan is to conduct more evidence-based research to provide effective and adequate data for policy makers. Pursuing a Master Degree in peace and conflict studies abroad is his future goal. “PLRI unleashed my potential. Attending PLRI was a turning point of my life and it made me change. PLRI is a hub of peace architects

for Myanmar.”

Htoo Htet Naing is Rakhine from Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, currently living in Yangon. She graduated from Liberal Arts Program at Myanmar Institute of Theology, specializing in Social Studies. Before she joined PLRI, she was a board member of Humanitarian Coordination Youth Team, which worked for providing humanitarian aid in Northern Rakhine after the 2017 conflict. Now, she is working as a project officer at an international non-governmental organization Search for Common Ground, which is working to end violent conflict by promoting

sustainable peace. As a research fellow at PLRI, she did research about the conflict resolution and reconciliation process in Northern Rakhine, focusing on the voices of the unheard minority ethnic groups who were directly or indirectly affected by communal conflicts. In the future, she will continue doing research that could find solutions for the peace and national reconciliation process of the country. “PLRI is a program that could make fellows have fun and study hard at the same time.


Working effectively in a team and knowledge of how to listen to others in

professional ways are my favorite things I learnt from PLRI classes.”

Kinsa San Yi is from Kachin State and completed a Bachelor’s Degree from Myitkyina University, after which she started to participate in promoting democracy and human rights as a volunteer in her community. San Yi has worked widely for strengthening youth capacity building, peace, democracy, legal awareness, human rights and the education development of Myanmar by working with students and youth organizations and INGO/NGOs. Recently, she worked with Legal Clinic Myanmar (LCM). She believes that youth participation in the

peace-building process and political reform is vital and requires them to take a leading role both in formal and informal processes. Therefore, she joined this program to explore new knowledge, particularly in conflict resolution, peace leadership skills, and understanding writing research. In the near future, she is inspired to be involved in the ongoing peace process of Myanmar through conducting research and writing solid policy papers. “This fellowship program is a unique learning center for me, because I could upgrade not only my knowledge regarding peace leadership and research skills, but also improve creative friendship among diverse fellows, and be able to

learn from each other.”

Kyaw Min Oo is a Shan from northern Shan State. He has completed a liberal arts and science course at Phaung Daw Oo Pre-College Program in Mandalay and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management from Yadanarpon University. Kyaw has experience in the education profession as a teacher trainer at Monastic Education Development Group (MEDG). He has been actively involved in youth activities, such as interfaith youth programs, peace campaigns, election observations, debate tournaments, and so on. At PLRI Kyaw and his team have

investigated the correlation between income and public participation in the Myanmar peace process. “Peace and sustainable development are led by education, and PLRI


is a place that is inspiring, empowering, and enabling youth by providing quality education.”

Kyaw Zin Lin is a 22-years old Rakhine-Chinese from Yangon, who has graduated from Dagon University, Myanmar with a Bachelor of Law. He is a former Vice-President of Dagon University Student Union, former Foreign Affair Officer of All Burma Federation of Student Union (ABFSU), and currently working at Candle Library Foundation as a project manager. Candle Library Foundation is a local NGO which is establishing mobile libraries in Kachin’s conflict-affected areas and providing non-formal education for internally displaced people. During the one-year program at PLRI, he chose

to research about the experiences of minority ethnic groups affected by sectarian conflicts in Northern Rakhine. In the future, he is passionate to contribute with his academic knowledge to building this country into a Democratic Socialist State. “In the past, I always felt lost whenever I thought about peace for this country. Nevertheless,

PLRI opened my eyes to see there is still a way.”

La Gyi Zau Lawn is a Kachin young man from Kachin State. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Myitkyina University in 2017. While an undergraduate law student at university, he also participated in many informal legal studies, such as studying practical legal skills as an intern student at Rule of Law Center (Myitkyina). Moreover, during his teenage life, he was actively involved in volunteering work for the internally displaced people through the church-based youth organisation called ‘Good Friend’. Currently, he is persuading a Master’s degree in law,

specializing in International Law at Yangon University. At PLRI, he and his research partner conducted research to examine how constitution-making can be applied as a conflict resolution tool for the peace process in Myanmar. “PLRI provided a huge positive impact not only on the way I think, but also on how I act as a peace contributor for our society. Moreover, through PLRI, I have met many youth fellows who are really willing to contribute effectively to each layer of the peace-


building process of Myanmar, and this makes me feel so energized, encouraged to

serve, to be involved more in the building process of peace.”

Mercy Mang Hlei Iang comes from Hakha in northern Chin State. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in German language from Mandalay University of Foreign Languages in 2014 and a Diploma in Community Leadership and Social Studies from Kant Kaw Education Center in 2017. She is currently working at a local research organization, Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD). At PLRI, she conducted research on income and public participation in Myanmar peace process with her research partners. This research tried to find out the

relationship between income and public participation in the Myanmar peace process. Her future plan is to establish a research organization in Chin State in order to provide reliable data and information to promote decision-making in the peace process. “During my study at PLRI, I realized that structural and cultural violence are the

roots of inequalities among the society.”

Mi Aye Khine comes from Mudoon Township, Mon State. She has graduated from Women Empowerment, Leadership and Management program on the Thailand-Myanmar border, Women Intensive in Bangkok, Thailand, and then graduated in Organizational Development from Payap University in Chiang Mai-Mawlamyine. She has working experience in strengthening community and empowerment, capacity building, and advocacy while working with the Mon Youth Progressive Organization, Students and Youth Congress of Burma, and Burma Rivers Network.

Currently, Mi Aye Khine is working at Oxfam as the Research Project Officer under the Economic Justice programme. During the program at PLRI, she learned deeply about peace and conflict studies and research methodology in practical ways. Based on this, she and her research partners conducted research titled “The Deadlocking Factors in Myanmar Peace Process.” “I feel grateful and appreciate PLRI because this program filled a gap in my life with high standards of knowledge, and I couldn’t mention which one because there are so many things which I have never


studied before. And I am deeply thankful to two of my teachers for filling the gap with valuable knowledge, you both make me bright for the future of my work and

life”.

Moe Moe Naing is Burmese from Yangon. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Business Management from National Management Degree College in Yangon. Recently, she worked as a project assistant at Search for Common Ground and contributed to the Community Information Management (CIM) project about rumor management training and common ground training in Mandalay and Lashio. At PLRI, she conducted research on the Kachin jade sector with the aim of investigating transparency, legal practices, and information networks among

participants from different working environments in Myitkyina and Hpakant. Her future plan is to encourage and promote social entrepreneurship in Myanmar. “While attending PLRI, I reflected on the theories on the current conflict issues. The thing I liked the most was a role-play of negotiating parties. As for me, this simulation activity cast a new light that helped me understand core problems and bring interests to the surface. This was the crucial point, because the possibility of

successful negotiation depends on how we understand the problem.”

Myo Myo Kyaw is a Burmese youth who comes from Pyinmana Township in Naypyitaw. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Yangon. She has completed a Peace Education course, the Communication for Civil Society course, and the Foundation for Community Development course, conducted by the Institute for Political and Civic Engagement (iPACE). In addition, she conducted Yaw youth empowerment training for youths in Htilin Township, Magway Division. Before joining PLRI, she worked as a project assistant intern at

National Youth Congress (NYC). Currently, she is working as a data assistant at the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar. At PLRI, along with her research partner, she conducted research titled “Collaboration as a Plus for Peace”. This research aimed to investigate the level of youth collaboration and how youth participation could be


increased in the peace-building process. After finishing PLRI, she is more eager to conduct further research, especially peace-related one that could support peace-building activities. “I have learned a lot of new things from PLRI; instructors, seminar speakers, and other fellows during this intensive program. I believe I can apply this new knowledge and lessons in further research. PLRI is a great step for

my future goal.” Nang Zinzar Phyo Thant is a peace practitioner, who is a Shan-Innthar hybrid from Southern Shan State. She has worked in the field of peace and education for ten years. She finished a one-year intensive university preparation program at Kant Kaw Education Center in 2012, then studied Advanced Certified Programme in Systemic Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation, Post-War Recovery, and Reconciliation courses at the Romanian Peace Institute. She provides technical support for the National Ethnic Youth Alliance, was a Youth Peacebuilder Delegate of USIP’s Youth

Leaders’ Exchange with His Holiness Dalai Lama, and an alumnus of Global Generation Change Program (GCP). Currently, she is a co-founder of Cherry House hub dedicated for youth peace-building, which she and her peers of GCP are initiating. At PLRI, she conducted research focusing on the mental health consequences of armed conflict among internally displaced populations in Kachin State and their coping strategies. Her future goal is to become a global peace practitioner who can serve not only for national conflict resolutions but on cross-cutting issues of the world. “PLRI is a space to strengthen the capabilities to work in the peace-building field but also a school that equips academic and practical knowledge and skillsets. A one-year fellowship provided me with life-long learning experience indeed. Thank you

PLRI and Thabyay!” Nang May Thu Aung is from Muse, Northern Shan State, and holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB). She has experienced being an English language teacher at Phaung Daw Oo monastic school, an intern at Salween Institute of Public Policy, a logistic assistant at New Myanmar Foundation, and a member of Tai Youth network. She has completed numerous capacity trainings, including Modern ASEAN meeting in Manila, and was awarded for the essay competition


"How Korea can be part of ASEAN with youth empowerment". Moreover, she joined the Training of Teachers by American Embassy in Yangon. Her current job is as a freelance English language teacher and translator and content writer and translator at Youth Society for Education. At PLRI, she conducted research about levels of academic freedom at public universities in Myanmar. She plans to become a teacher who can contribute to education reforms and aid in Myanmar’s transition to peace with diversity. She also wants to contribute to young people in her state by collaborating with the youth networks. "Doing research is finding something we don’t know, to advocate, to make policies, to contribute to the society by writing academic research papers. Diversity is also a strength to combine diverse perspectives to achieve a peaceful and sustainable community. PLRI is giving young people peace, leadership, and research skills hoping to support the capacity of

young people around Myanmar.”

Naw Sah Blute is a Karen woman from the Ayeyarwaddy Delta. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Yangon University of Distance Education. In the past, she worked as an English language training coordinator for Pathein Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) for more than one year and also as a freelance translator. After that, she worked as a translator and trainer at Educasia, the curriculum department under Thabyay Education Foundation. After receiving a promotion at Thabyay, she now occupies the role of Senior

Research Assistant for “Art and Conflict Transformation” project with St. Andrews University, United Kingdom. At PLRI, she conducted research on “The impact of curriculum in promoting peace education”, which investigated whether peace education is integrated in Myanmar’s basic education curriculum. The reason why she conducted this research is because she strongly believes that education plays a major role in the country’s development and peace building. “PLRI has been a great learning space for me to explore and come to understand the factors behind the current situation of the peace process in Myanmar and at the same time, I have also

gained knowledge and skills in academic research.”


Naw Wai Hnin Kyaw is Karen from Yangon Region who graduated from Myanmar Institute of Theology. She worked as an assistant researcher at Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute (MRTI) and also was involved in Myanmar Statistics Forum 2018 and other development projects. At PLRI, she conducted a study with her partner about the experiences of ethnic minorities with political and social marginalization in Karenni (Kayah) State. She aims to become a well-experienced social science researcher to contribute to building sustainable peace by applying knowledge of

conflict resolution, negotiation, and peace-building studies learned at PLRI. “Little did I know how blessed I was to be selected to study in PLRI in the beginning and now, a massive change happened deep inside of me realizing the value of conflict analysis and the essential negotiations in daily life. Every single moment during the study in PLRI is priceless for the mentorship and skillfulness of instructors with caring and loving nature of PLRI staff. Last by not least, witnessing the passions of research fellows truly overwhelmed me with a faith in my heart that the longing desire of our suffering brothers and sisters from conflict affected areas for peace will be fulfilled in the near future.”

Nyan Tun Aung is of the Naga ethnicity and from Nagaland. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of Distance Education and a B.A. in Social Studies from Liberal Arts Program at Myanmar Institute of Theology. He worked as a freelance researcher at different organizations and currently he is working for the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement-Signatory Ethnic Armed Organization (NCA-S EAO). He is also the President of the Naga Students and Youth Federation-Yangon. At PLRI, he and his research partners conducted research on what the

blocking factors are in Myanmar’s peace process?” Nyan Tun has a strong interest in Myanmar’s peace process and his future plan is to provide practical support to the country’s peace process after finishing his further studies. “Peace process is a long journey. To end decades-long conflicts, the country needs practical research and educated and committed youth’s participation. PLRI is a home to those who have an

interest in the country’s peace process.”


Saw Mar Gay Htoo identifies as a Karen young man from Dawei, Tanintharyi Region. He studied at Myanmar Institute of Theology (Liberal Arts Program) and was conferred a B.A (Social Studies). He also earned a B.A (English) from Yangon University of Distance Education. Following this, Mar Gay found work as a Research Associate at Another Development policy think-tank for over two years, where he has taken part in different research projects. When joining PLRI, he was interested in seeing which underlying factors limit public participation in Myanmar peace

process. For that particular reason, he and his teammates selected a research project which aimed to explore how individuals’ income, among other factors, contributes to their participation in the peace process. As his near future plan, he will use the research skills he has learned at PLRI to enrich his current career as a researcher. “A year-long period with PLRI was tough and challenging, but amazing and fruitful, as it provided me with enormous practical experiences, from planning until finalizing the research paper. It also employed me with useful tools in understanding the Myanmar’s conflict and peace process. In one word, I would say

it is worthwhile.”

Soe Soe Nwe is Tavoyan woman from Longlo Township, Tanintharyi Division. She is working as a part-time researcher for the Women’s Leadership Pathways research project under Women’s League of Burma (WLB). Soe Soe Nwe was general secretary of the Women’s League of Burma and a member of the Tavoyan Women’s Union, through which she advances community mobilization and development. She was also involved as a policy board member, advocacy team member, and peace mission team member of WLB and a member of the working committee of the first Civil

Society Organizations Forum, one of the National Dialogues in the peace process. She studied at the Liberty and Leadership Forum program provided by the W. Bush Institute in 2015-2016. At PLRI, her and her research partner have conducted research which explored the perspectives of people living in Karenni (Kayah) State on their experiences in political institutions. After completing PLRI, she will continue to work in peace,


conflict, and research and provide evidence-based documents to stakeholders to get a better approach to the peace process in future. “I have a great chance to study in PLRI, it is not only study but also very practical to apply our knowledge and skills. It is empowering and encouraging for an evidence-based search for peace and conflict

resolution in Myanmar.”

Thura Aung is Mon who graduated from the University of Dagon, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. After graduation, he joined a Master’s Program at Yangon School of Political Science (YSPS) for one year and studied political science extensively at the Center for Study of Myanmar Politics and Society (CSMPS). Thura joined PLRI when he finished his internship at a local NGO. At PLRI, he and his partner conducted a research project which evaluated levels of trust and influencing factors on trust in the Myanmar police. “After studying at PLRI, Thura believes that

peace cannot be achieved by force, but by education. He also believes that PLRI is a place to inspire and empower young people to be researchers and leaders in the

future.” Win Win May is Burmese from Yangon Region. She has recently graduated from University of Yangon, with a specialization in International Relations. She has also completed courses in Peace Education and Foundation for Community Development from iPACE at the American Center. She was an assistant trainer at Peoples’ Alliance for Credible Elections (PACE) in the 2018 By-Election. She has also been volunteering as a youth trainer at the Foundation for Change, Myanmar.

While at PLRI, Win Win May and her research partner investigated the level of public trust in the police and explored the influencing factors on this through conducting surveys with 401 participants. In the future, she wants to be a social worker for those who are underprivileged and underdeveloped. “During my time at PLRI, I was equipped with the tools of conflict analysis, negotiation and peace-building, and

conducting social research. PLRI will forever be a milestone in my life.”


RESEARCH TITLES 1. Collaboration as a Plus for Peace:

Increasing Youth Participation in Myanmar Peace-Building Process through Collaboration

2. Framing the Constitution-Making Process for Peace-Building in Myanmar:

The Perspectives of Ethnic Armed Organizations and Civil Society 3. From Margin to Center:

Experiences of Political and Social Marginalization of Ethnic Minorities in Karenni State

4. Hidden Truths of the Invisible:

The Experiences of Double Minorities in Northern Rakhine State during Violent Conflict

5. Income, Participation, and Peace:

The Impact of Income on Public Participation in the Myanmar Peace Process 6. Mental Health Consequences of Armed Conflict Among Internally Displaced

Populations in Kachin State and Their Coping Strategies 7. Public Trust in the Myanmar Police Force:

Exploring Influencing Factors on Public Trust in the Myanmar Police Force 8. Teacher's Voices for Brighter Higher Education:

Investigation of Academic Freedom in Public Universities in Myanmar 9. The Deadlocking Factors in Myanmar's Peace Process 10. The Impact of Curriculum on Promoting Peace Education 11. The Transparency of the Kachin Jade Sector


FACULTY PROFILES

Saw Myo Min Thu (Saw Kapi) is the Executive Director of Thabyay Education Foundation. He joined Thabyay in 2013 after serving in the US higher education system for more than twelve years – five years as a University Evaluator at the University of San Francisco, six years as an Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Maryland, College Park, and over a year as the Director of Admissions and Records at California State University, Bakersfield. Since his return to Myanmar, he has been actively advocating for a better education system. He holds a B.A. in International Relations from San Francisco State

University and an M.A. in Development Economics from Williams College.

Dr. Zin Mar Oo is a founding member of Kant Kaw Education Center of Thabyay Education Foundation, established in 2009 in Myanmar. As the Program Director, she leads the implementation of the Community Leadership and Social Studies (CLASS) program, and the Curriculum Department. From 2001 to 2009, she was a Research Associate at Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, focusing on gender issues in armed conflict, women and micro-finance, and cross-border migration and citizenship. Zin Mar holds a B.A (Honors) in English

Literature from Yangon University, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.

Soundous Drissi first joined Thabyay in 2014 as Program Manager for the Curriculum Department and was later promoted to Assistant Director of Programs to oversee the day-to-day operations of all Thabyay’s programs, including PLRI, CLASS, and Curriculum Department as well as Thabyay e-Learning Platform. She has more than five years of experience in international development. She worked as a development specialist before along the Thailand-Myanmar border among the Karenni people. Soundous received a M.A. in International Development and Education from


Newcastle University, United Kingdom and a B.A. in English Studies from Mohammed V University, Morocco.

James MacMillan joined the PLRI in the role of Programme Coordinator/Instructor in May 2018. James has spent much of his professional career abroad, working in Ghana, South Korea, Thailand, and now Myanmar. James has fulfilled a variety of positions including CBO project manager, field researcher, academic and research mentor, and instructor in the field of the social sciences. Prior to joining PLRI, James was employed by the Karen Refugee Committee-Education Entity as the Peace and Development Foundations Instructor at Global Border Studies, located in Nu Poe Refugee Camp, Thailand.

James holds a B.A in Politics and Governance from Ryerson University, Canada, and a M.A. in Development Studies from York University, Canada.

Radka Antalíková holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, and a PhD Degree in Cross-Cultural Psychology from Aalborg University, Denmark. Prior to working for Thabyay, Radka worked for a number of years as Teaching Assistant Professor at Aalborg University in Denmark, where she taught cognitive and cross-cultural psychology, research methods, and quantitative methodology as well as supervised numerous quantitative and qualitative research projects. In 2016, she took on the position of Academic Skills and Project Management Instructor at Global Border

Studies, a university-level program for young refugees from Myanmar, located in Nu Poe Refugee Camp, Thailand.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Saw Htein Linn Program Officer

Ciin Lian Dim Program Assistant

Nang A Moon Khaung Program Intern


GOVERNING BOARD OF THABYAY EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Professor Saw Tun Aung Chain Chairperson

Daw Khin Mar Aung Vice Chairperson

Professor Daw Tin Hla Kyi Member

Daw Myint Su Member

Dr. Margueritta Mu Yeh Hpeh Member

U Kyaw Min San Member

U Tun Tun Member

Dr. Thein Swe Member

Ms. Maureen Aung-Thwin Member Daw Naw Helen Pe Member


Peace Leadership & Research Institute Address: No.9, Kan Road, Hlaing Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

Phone: +959404455112~113 (Ext.305), +959899826996, +959788164826 Website: www.thabyay.org/plri

Email: [email protected] Facebook: Thabyay Education Foundation

A special thank you to our partners

Documents

Graduation Book 2019 Front - thabyay.org · FELLOW BIOGRAPHY Gum San Awng is from Sadone, Kachin State. He graduated from Myanmar Institute of Theology with Social Studies and will