Dear Friends , 

What are the challenges facing youth,especially persons with disabilities ( PWDs) in the world today ? Youth,especially person's with Disabilities(PWDs)are facing several challenges in the world today.Especially in the developing country like Myanmar,Serilanka,Cambodia,Vietnam,Nepal etc.Large number of youth PWDs are facing financial difficulties for their education being from a poor,low-income,family.I would like to testify that I myself has been facing that challenges throughout my life as a youth PWDs.

My name is Miss Nge Nge Aye Maung.I was affected by Polio disease since I was nine months old.I was not allowed to use braces and crutches when I was a small kid.before I reached the age of five,my parents and my family members took care of me and carried me to move about.When I started school,I had to face the challenges with my class mates.Ever since I enter the class room,all the students in my class stared at me with surprise looks on their face,strange,scared stares faces as if they have seen a person from another planet.But my class teacher gave me a warm welcome and put me at ease in my seat.I was using braces and crutches both sides and such I need double space to use.

While my class mates are playing during lunch hour I feel so sad sitting alone at my desk,envied them that they are playing.I would not run about like them but I wish that I could joined them in their game.During the rainy season,I had to take great care not to bump into other students.Sometimes I feel so frustrated.But encouragement of my parents has helped me to overcome all these.

We had to move from our big house (Official residence) to an apartment which is located on the first floor in down town as my father passed away when I was twelve. There are 21 steps to reach our 1st floor.I had difficulty in climbing stairs,but I managed to go up and down daily to go to school.There are no special school in Myanmar for disabled children and I had to attend the normal school like healthy kids.Again I'm facing another challenges which is all toilets are squatting type,and as such,I could use the toilet only after I came back from school.I'm used to control by myself.My widow mother could not expense taxi fare,so I had to go to school by Tri-Shaw daily.I was socked wet in rainy season even with umbrella and felt so hot during summer as there is no roof on the Tri-Shaw.

I had the feeling of inferiority-complex when I reach adolescent due to my disabled condition.then I made an Iron decision that I must be an educated person,at least a bachelor degree holder.so I taught the kids from kinder garden to third grade at part time as private teacher to earn my pocket money and school fees after I finished high school to take my university degree.I did succeed and got my Bachelor Degree.I faced the challenges during my university days also but I could overcome all of them.

There are many disabled youth PWDs in Myanmar and I felt very strongly to help them. That's why I joined Myanmar Disabled People's Organization(MDPO) and Myanmar Physically Handicapped association(MPHA), under the Ministry of Social Welfare and Resettlement Department and took up the EC member since 2004 to at present.

I have applied for many positions to get a job even since I have graduated in 1988,also applied to Ministry of Social Welfare and Resettlement Department,but not succeeded. In Myanmar,most of the employers(almost 100%)do not wish to employ any disabled person.Though I've tried to get a job since I was graduated in 1988 but I could not get any job till at present.I do not want other Youth PWDs to suffer like me.We need to earn for our own living and we are entitled get a job due to our qualification.I am fortunate in a way that I managed somehow to do the needlework with crochet to earn some income.I would like to believe that all the youth PWDs faced all kind of challenges but we can achieved with a strong determination & courage. Myanmar youth PWDs need a lot of encouragement from their family,the government,NGOs,contributors,well-wishers,etc.,to get through the hardships. Some of the youth PWDs from poor income families become so dependant upon others without any edu cation,they have to beg for their living.I would like to attend an efficient leadreship training in respective field for gaining more knowledge as I wish to help all these youth PWDs of Myanmar to overcome their challenges in every way as much as I can.

I really do appreciate and thank you all for your encouragement while we met at the 2nd Asia Pacific Disability Forum (APDF) General Assembly & Conference 2006,in Bangkok,Thailand.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,Nge Nge Aye Maung

(Passport No: 615258 Date of issue:Jan 5,2005 Place of issue:Yangon Nationality : Myanmar Date of Birth:22March 1965