Ei Thu Zar

Peer Youth Leadership Group - 7 

Joined Rays of Youth in 2022

"Learn while you have the opportunity"

For Ei Thu Zar, these words reflect her belief in making the most of every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to her community. She joined the Peer Youth Leadership Program (Group 7) at Rays of Youth in 2022, discovering the program through her school. From the very beginning, she was drawn to the program because it offered a chance not only to build her own confidence and leadership skills but also to give back to the younger students in her community, particularly those in migrant schools, who lacked access to educational and personal development opportunities.

Ei Thu Zar’s motivation to join was deeply personal. She wanted to speak openly and confidently in front of people, share the knowledge and skills she had gained, and serve as a role model for her peers. At the time, she felt that she was still finding her own path in life, and she saw Rays of Youth as a place where she could gain guidance, mentorship, and practical skills that would help her navigate her future.

During her time in the program, Ei Thu Zar experienced remarkable growth. Over two years, she became more confident in expressing her ideas and opinions, learned to make decisions carefully and thoughtfully, and developed stronger time management skills. She also learned the importance of teamwork, understanding that meaningful accomplishments often come from collaboration rather than working alone. Through the program’s workshops, activities, and community engagement opportunities, she improved her communication skills, learned to apply her talents effectively, and gained a deeper understanding of her own potential.

Beyond the skills, the program nurtured Ei Thu Zar’s sense of responsibility and commitment to her community. She actively participated in peer-led workshops, guided younger students, and shared her knowledge with those who could benefit most. Each experience reinforced her understanding that leadership is not just about guiding others—it is about being accountable, staying disciplined, and using one’s abilities to make a positive difference.

Today, Ei Thu Zar continues her education while applying the lessons learned from Rays of Youth in every aspect of her life. She balances schoolwork with community engagement and is determined to become a young leader who can be relied upon. Her role as a mentor and supporter for other youth allows her to pass on the encouragement, guidance, and inspiration she once received from the program. She understands firsthand the impact that mentorship and learning opportunities can have on a young person’s life, and she strives to be that source of light for others.

Ei Thu Zar expresses heartfelt gratitude to Rays of Youth and its supporters for continuously creating opportunities for young people to grow and lead. She recognizes that without the program, her journey of self-discovery, leadership, and service would not have been possible. The motto “ Learn while you have the opportunity” remains a guiding principle in her life, reminding her to seize every opportunity for learning and growth, and to inspire others to do the same.

Through her journey, Ei Thu Zar demonstrates that leadership is built through patience, practice, and dedication, and that true growth comes from using one’s skills and knowledge to uplift others. She hopes to continue making a meaningful impact in her community and to empower other young people to recognize their own potential.