Meet Naw Ku Gay 

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how your early experiences shaped your sense of identity, especially growing up as a Karen refugee in the US?

A: I was born in Thailand during a turbulent time and settled in Tham Hin Refugee camp and moved to the US at the age of ten. Moving to the US at ten was a big change, but being part of a close-knit Knyaw (Karen) community made it easier to navigate. I’ve always cherished the blend of cultures that made up my identity. Some of my fondest memories are of participating in the Karen Club at Roseville Area High School (RAHS) with friends and being part of the Youth Leadership Initiative and church youth group. These experiences weren’t just about leadership- they were about embracing who I am and where I come from. They’ve shaped my journey and inspired me to stay connected to my roots and be willing to grow. 

Q: Why did you decide to go back and work in the Karen community through Today’s Leaders and what were you hoping to achieve through this experience?

A: My refugeehood deeply informs my passion for bridging the Knyaw (Karen) diaspora. The Today’s Leaders (TL) program grew from my journey of navigating two cultures and two homelands. While working with the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM), I saw how passionate Knyaw youth in Minnesota are about their personal and professional growth while giving back to the community. However, they face challenges like identity crises and socio economic obstacles. Meanwhile, Knyaw youth in Myanmar (Burma) and along the Thai borders face ongoing civil conflict, hindering their access to education, resources, and safety. Despite these challenges, we share resilience, hope, and dreams. Through Today’s Leaders, I aim to unite, foster mutual learning and collaboration, and empower our youth to shape their identity and positively impact our community. Before the international work, I worked closely with my team within the Midwest and Southern Midwest in preparation and in building networks with the Karen club at RAHS and Karen Student Association at UNO at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I had facilitated the topic on Youth Leadership within the context of cultural and mainstream outlook. 

Q: Can you share more about your experience in Kawthoolei? What was the most significant experience you encountered during your trip?

A: Firstly, I wanted to thank my fellow friends and community leaders who had bridged the connection in Kawthoolei and Thailand throughout TL’s work. I am fortunate to be partnering with understanding partners and collaborators who truly cares for the K’nyaw youth development. The first TL’s youth leadership program is at Dr. T. Thanbyah Christian Institute. I taught communication in English with the first year students combined with the Youth Leadership program. I also taught the final year students and diving deep into soft and technical skills in youth leadership development. 

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add or share about your experiences or reflections?

A: Yes, I wanted to thank my team, partners, families and friends who have poured their support throughout my journey. Most importantly, I wanted to thank my students who have graced me with great understanding and passion for learning. I wanted to thank the students and leaders who have challenged me to grow in this work. And the work has just begun. 

Lastly, I have a short video of my live records of my experience while in the field. I hope that you’ll be able to see a small glimpse of my learning journey. 

Through this first touch of Kawthoolei, I was prepared to further my connection with the Karen Teacher Working Group’s wing program, Karen Teacher Training College, Karen Youth Organization - KYO, Karen Student Network Group - KSNG, and Prometheus Institute of Technology. 

Q: What message would you share with those considering volunteering in Kawthoolei?

A: First, welcome to the fam! Thank you for your heart to tap into this work even if you’re just in the thinking stage. As you are stepping into this work, I encourage you to engage with the agency and/or the organization that you’ll partner with prior to your work. Taking the time to connect and network is as critically relevant to the work you will do. As a self initiated initiative, I invest my beginning stage to work on the logistics and the administrative work prior to entering the field. Most importantly, connect with the legit organized agency and/or the recognized organization(s) because they’ll be your best friend in your journey in terms of following the rule and policy established under specific authority. For detailed information, please feel free to directly connect with Knyaw Academy and/or I. 

The work we’re doing is not just the work of a village, but a global work. Please feel assured that you have many who are here to support you. Don’t hesitate to seek mentorship, partnership, and/or a friend to journey with you in this work. 

Q: What advice and tips would you offer to K’nyaw youth around the world?

A: When we step into community work that comes with responsibility, we have to remember our “why”. The dignity and honor of our people are the fundamental of our work. It is not negotiable or should be a compromise regardless of the scope of our work.