A Story of Perseverance and Hope - Meet Maung Htun Win Hlaing
Kyi Kyi Soe has been on staff with ACM for over 15 years, answering God's call to invest in the lives of vulnerable children in Myanmar. What began as a vision to provide quality education has grown into a new school in a new location. You may remember Kyi Kyi's story of fleeing her village twice in 2024 before ultimately relocating near an IDP camp outside of Yangon. Through her leadership and unwavering faith, children and young people have been given the opportunity to overcome hardship, continue their education, and discover God's love. Today, we are honored to share a story written by Kyi Kyi Soe about a student from her former village who found her and her husband in their new home - a powerful reminder that God continues to make a way, even in the midst of unimaginable circumstances.
Dear ACM Friends and Supporters,
We are honored to introduce you to Maung Htun Win Hlaing, a Grade 12 student whose journey is a remarkable testimony of perseverance, hope, and God's faithfulness.
Maung Htun lost his father at a young age, and the trauma his mother has endured left her unable to care for him. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, but the ongoing civil war and conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State disrupted his education and forced him to make an unimaginable decision.
In May 2024, determined to continue his studies, Maung Htun left his home and traveled over 600 miles to Yangon under extremely dangerous conditions. With roads closed because of the conflict, he walked for seven days across the Toungup Mountain Range before finally reaching safety. Once in Yangon, he found temporary shelter in a Buddhist monastery and enrolled in the 10th grade, refusing to let war steal his future.
In March 2025, Asian Children's Mission welcomed Maung Htun into their home and educational support program. As a former student, we already knew his intelligence, character, and determination. Since then, he has successfully completed Grade 11 and is now studying in Grade 12 at Basic Education High School (Myoma) in Hlegu. Our staff continues to tutor and mentor him, providing academic support as he works toward graduation.
His commitment to learning is evident every day. He leaves home at 5:30 each morning, carrying his lunch and traveling by YBS bus to school. After a full day of classes, he returns home around 6:00 p.m. Despite the long hours and challenges he has faced, he never complains. His determination is fueled by the hope of building a better future through education.
Maung Htun often shares that it is only by God's grace that he was reunited with people who could help him continue his education. Through every hardship, his faith has grown stronger, and he remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue his dreams during such uncertain times.
As he prepares for graduation and hopes to attend university, the academic demands are increasing. Success on Myanmar's government examination requires specialized tutoring, and we are committed to providing the educational support he needs to finish high school and prepare for this critical milestone. Although he is able to speak with his family in Rakhine State from time to time, they continue to endure tremendous hardship and are unable to provide financial assistance.
We have witnessed God's faithfulness throughout Maung Htun's journey, and we trust that He will continue to walk beside him in the days ahead. Your prayers and support make stories like his possible, giving young people the opportunity to pursue an education, grow in faith, and build a future filled with hope.
In His Holy Name,
Kyi Kyi Soe
