I am a mixture of Burmese ethnic groups. My grandmother was Shan, my father was Burmese and my mother was Mon. My name is Saw mean ‘early’ or ‘man’. It also means ‘royal family of Shan’ because my grandmother was a member of the Shan royal family.
I come from a farming family and went to the local school with one teacher for about 40 to 50 students. There was not enough resources. One day I visited Rangoon and saw how life was very different. Schools had more resources and people had freedom to connect to the outside world. That opened my eyes to the inequality in education. When the military took over the country, they wanted me to join them but I refused so they found ways of preventing me from enrolling in good schools. While in school I became more invited in the student groups not because of politics but because I wanted fair education. The military insisted I was into politics and causing trouble so they had me arrested. Later I had to run and escape to save my life. I took an illegal fishing boat that was headed for Malaysia. There I was an urban refugee. We were always on our guard because anytime we could be caught and imprisoned or sent to the Thai-Malaysia border where human traffickers were read to pay for people to work in illegal fishing boats and never return.
I was lucky to later work in UNHCR as health support worker while waiting to be processed.
28 August 2010 was the day I arrived in New Zealand. I can’t forget the date. I stayed in Mangere in Auckland for 6 weeks getting information and learning about New Zealand.
The powhiri at the Migrant Centre was a most significant experience. I could not believe how many people came to welcome us. People were so caring and friendly. It was beautiful.
Since I arrived, I worked as interpreter for the other Burmese families who arrived with me. I was a Case Worker for Refugee Services (now Red Cross). At the same time I also enrolled in English classes at Winter. Now I am working four days a week as First Aid Coordinator at Red Cross and I am also into my second year of Social Work at Te Wananga O Aotearoa.
I like Hamilton because it is quiet and peaceful. I like the river and the many parks. People are very nice and easy to approach. I like the cultural festivals such as Indigo. I noticed there are many clubs such as the Rowing Club, Rotary Club and many others. Because I like to take photos I joined the Waikato Photography Society, another club.
I love Hamilton It is peaceful but it is not heaven. I don’t mean in a bad way. It’s because there is so much good I cannot help but think of Burma.
I’m proud of Hamilton and New Zealand. I know I have to work hard to contribute to development.