Letter of Solidarity to all who are suffering in Myanmar, Under the Brutal rule of a Dictatorship 

Dear Beloved People of Kachin, Chinland, and Naga Areas,

As we sit down to write this letter, our hearts are filled with a mix of sorrow, determination, and a deep sense of solidarity. We, the Kachin Wesean Student Federation and the Zo-Chin Wesean Student Federation, are students living far from our homeland, (many of us 2nd and 3rd Generation americans) but our thoughts, our hearts, and our spirits remain with you—our families, our friends, and our communities who are enduring unimaginable hardships in these trying times.

We are painfully aware of the profound struggles that have swept through our homeland. The fight for democracy, the resistance against the oppressive junta, and the daily survival in the face of violence and instability have cast a shadow over all aspects of life, including education. The aspirations of our students—your dreams to learn, to grow, to become the leaders of tomorrow—have been cruelly interrupted by a regime that seeks to silence and oppress. This assault on our fundamental rights and freedoms is not just an attack on our present but on our future as well.

We know that many of you, especially the students, have had to put your education on hold, not by choice but by circumstance. The closure of schools, the scarcity of resources, and the constant threat of violence have made it nearly impossible to continue your studies. This is a reality that breaks our hearts because we understand how crucial education is for the empowerment of our people, for the rebuilding of our homeland, and for the restoration of our dignity and freedom.

As students far from home, we feel a profound sense of responsibility to stand with you during these dark times. We may be physically distant, but our connection to you is stronger than ever. We are driven by the same love for our land, the same commitment to our people, and the same desire to see our homeland free from tyranny.

While we are still in the process of finalising our website and solidifying our plans, we refuse to wait in offering our support. We have started a small initiative to provide academic assistance to middle school students. Using Zoom, we are organising online classes where we will do our best to help you catch up on your studies, despite the challenges you face daily. If you or anyone you know would like to join these classes, please reach out to us via email. We are determined to make this work, despite the technical and logistical challenges, because we believe that even the smallest effort can make a difference in these difficult times.

We understand that this is only a small step, and there is much more to be done. But please know that we are working tirelessly to develop more comprehensive support for students at all levels. We envision creating a platform where students from Kachin, Chinland, and Naga areas can access educational resources, connect with mentors, and continue their education even in these trying circumstances. It won’t be perfect but this is the least we can do. This is our pledge to you—to stand by your side, to fight with you for the education that is your right, and to support you in any way we can.

Your resilience, your courage, and your unwavering spirit inspire us every day. We know that the road ahead is long and fraught with difficulties, but we also know that together, we are stronger. Together, we can resist the forces that seek to oppress us. Together, we can reclaim our future.

In this struggle for democracy and freedom, education is both our weapon and our shield. It is the key to a better future for all of us, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that you, the students of Kachin, Chinland, and Naga regions, have the opportunity to continue your education, to pursue your dreams, and to contribute to the rebuilding of our beloved homeland.

Please stay strong, stay hopeful, and know that you are not alone. We are with you, we believe in you, and we will not stop fighting for you.

With deep respect and unwavering solidarity,

Kaith Yi Naw,
President
Kachin Wesean Student Federation

Sakeibaknei Esther
Vice President
Zo-Chin Wesean Student Federation