Myanmar, formerly Burma, was for a little while hopeful after it held its very first democratic elections after a long time. But it did not last long, soon after the pandemic the military declared a coup declaring that there was massive cheating after its last elections in 2021. But the people had already gained access to greater education and freedom through the internet. They were able to encounter the world outside of Myanmar.
Now years after the coup, many areas of Myanmar are now under control of different ethnic-armed organizations. Myitkyina in the northernmost part of the country remains in a very fragile situation. Fighting between the Kachin Independent Army with the assistance of many young people who have joined the Peoples’ Defense Force (PDF) continues. There would be weeks of shelling in areas around the city. In many townships, the fighting has led to many causalities even among civilians.
On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, every September 14, a huge crowd of people would gather at the foot of the Holy Cross Mountain and climb it as a pilgrimage and devotion. Last year the Diocese decided to keep the celebrations simple at every parish. The roads to the mountain have been controlled by the Burmese army and many fear being checked and arrested.
I recently returned from Yangon to take a few days off and also to get some resources for the student center. I met many of the alumni of the Catholic Student Action Myitkyina. It was great to see them again after a long time. This group was one of the first students that joined the movement. I asked one of them, “When are you returning to Myitkyina?” He replied, “Never.” That would be the common answer for many young people who are now displaced by the ongoing war and conflict in every part of Myanmar.
These young people have only one dream and that is to leave the country. Sadly, this has led to many consequences.
These young people have only one dream and that is to leave the country. Sadly, this has led to many consequences. We are losing badly needed human resources like teachers and mentors. Even in church, I overheard one catechist ask an elderly person to learn to play the keyboard because he explained every time he trained a young person to play or when the person can already play they leave after a few months for work or abroad.
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On the Feast of the Holy Cross, we decided to celebrate with a special Stations of the Cross for the youth. About 40 youth joined the activity. In place of the 14 stations, we highlighted different struggles and challenges young people in Myanmar continue to face today. This represents the 14 crosses of young people which includes the following:
- War and Conflict in Kachin land
- Violence Against Women and Children
- Young persons in prison
- Child Labor
- Climate Change and Pollutio
- Internal Displacement
- Poverty
- Mental Health issues
- Human Trafficking
- Access to Education
- Unemployment
- Broken families
- Drug Addiction and HIV /AIDS
- Teenage Pregnancy and Abortion
At every station we read a reflection and pause for a few minutes to pray for young people struggling with the particular situation. We then pray together for the intentions of these young people.
On the Last Station, a huge cross was placed in front of the grotto, to remind the young people that they are not alone. The Cross is a reminder to them that there is hope in their suffering and struggles. Life in Myitkyina is not getting easier. Prices of basic commodities have increased. Phone connection is limited and access to the internet has been restricted. Now you need to go to “internet shops” to access the internet.
Returning from Yangon to Myitkyina, I carried very little cash. I was stopped by the immigration at the airport upon seeing the cash I was carrying. For a few seconds I panicked but I got hold of myself. Good thing I still remembered by Burmese so I spoke to them to explain what I am doing in Myitkyina. “Krian Ponjee, I am a Christian monk. I work for the Church. I teach English to young people.” I have to be careful with the words I use to avoid suspicion. That is mostly how I explained myself to people here. The lady officer smiled after hearing me speak in Burmese. I was relieved after she told me to go.
Living in Myanmar for the last six years has taught me to start living one day at a time. It is very difficult to plan ahead. Situations can change in an instant. But it has taught me to be grateful for the little things even more. It has taught me to be more compassionate and generous. It has taught me above all to be hopeful.
Life in Myitkyina is not getting easier. Prices of basic commodities have increased. Phone connection is limited and access to internet has been restricted.
Help us bring some relief and hope to many distressed young people. Support our Student Learning Resources Center (SLRC) and the Catholic Student Action Myitkyina (CSAM) movement. We provide important leadership, livelihood and employability skills training to build the resilience and confidence of young people to face these struggles and challenges.
Currently, we welcome 24 new students participating in our Positive Youth Development Certificate Program Batch 4. They will undergo 9 months of training in English, Computer, Accounting, Life-Work Skills, Personal Development and Entrepreneurship Skills.
In the last two years, we have formed and prepared 54 students in the Positive Youth Development Certificate Program but also provided different trainings in English, Computer, Teaching Skills, Leadership Skills and Mental Health Awareness and interventions to hundreds more.
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Fr. Kurt Zion Pala lives and works in Myanmar.