My name is Aung Naing. I am Kayan. I am 27 and I work for a social welfare organization. I am so annoyed and unhappy about the current situation of Myanmar, and the difficulties that I face every day.
Many middle and working-class young people who were born between 1990 and 1998 are suffering like me. We are very far from being able to live in a happy and peaceful environment. Our parents have survived many wars and disasters, their lives were blighted, their rights were violated, and they grew up in fear. Now, again, due to the current crisis, we are deeply heartbroken.
Sometimes I want to think of the crisis as a problem of our older generation. We, including soldiers and young people, have become innocent victims. Families are scattered. Our hopes and goals are more difficult to achieve. Sometimes I feel like I am a person with no dreams. I think this is caused by the state of our country.
The way I overcome this barrier is by trying to work at things that I like and opening up to my friends about my feelings. They encourage me. The lovely culture we have in our country is all about supporting and encouraging each other in difficult times. So, I, too, help my friends as much as I can. But sometimes I cannot help them. I become silent. Some problems can only be cured with time.
I don’t have a role model in my life. I respect anyone who treats other people equally and with respect. We have to take strength from encouraging each other and from listening to the feelings of each other.
My greatest desire is to see my family again and to have a meal together with all of them. I want peace to come quickly in my country.
