Beyond the campus: Local impact driven by Parami students

Parami University students have stepped up to address issues at the heart of their communities. Through the micro-grant award provided by the GHEA21 Network, a partner institution of Parami University, students are supported in expanding the impact of their initiatives and amplifying their community work. From improving children’s access to creative storytelling to strengthening leadership skills among youth, these projects show that when students are given the resources and the trust to lead, the ripple effects can be felt across communities beyond the campus.

One such initiative is White Tales, led by Mozart Brang, Htet Woon Yan, Hein Lin Htun, Moe Honey, and Yu Ya Loon Khin, and supported by 3 volunteers: Lin Soe Htet, Myat Myat Moe, and Su Pyo May San. White Tales is a youth-led storytelling project that creates safe and creative spaces for children in Yangon to think, feel, and imagine through stories, discussions, and art-based activities.

The team shared that the project grew out of their experiences studying in exam-focused, rote-learning schools where reading for joy was rarely encouraged. Seeing how many children are now distanced from books—often spending more time on phone screens or following rigid school teaching styles—motivated the team to create a space where children can reconnect with curiosity, empathy, and the culture of oral storytelling.

After receiving the micro-grant from Parami University in April 2024, the White Tales team worked to make their sessions more engaging for both younger children and adolescents. They shaped activities to spark curiosity, imagination, and confidence, while finding simple ways to notice the changes in children’s enjoyment and problem-solving. 

The team also shared the impact of their projects, which significantly affected children's perceptions of and enjoyment of reading. One participant increased from 20 minutes of reading to more than an hour after the program ended. 

Another highlight of the White Tales initiative was its partnership with Day Dream Mini Library on Myat Shu initiative—မျက်ရှု, a Burmese literary word that symbolizes children as ‘cherished treasures’. The initiative engaged children and adolescents, helping them become more thoughtful in giving feedback. As the founder shared, “Even when challenges arose, our students reflected on the positives and suggested practical solutions,” showing how the initiative nurtures the next generation of young thinkers.

For the White Tales team, this small change in students' behavior showed that their discussion sessions were helping children and young adolescents develop optimism, reflection, and problem-solving skills. The team is now continuing this work through their next phase, Project Myat Shu 2.0.

Another initiative supported by the micro-grant is Khit Thit Youth’s Power, led by Myo Min Khant, a project from the Pyit Taing Htaung Youth Development Institute (PYDI). The project focuses on helping young people develop their personal identity, self-awareness, and character. Through a series of activities, participants learn skills in communication, interpersonal youth leadership, and collaboration.

With Myanmar facing long-term conflicts and natural disasters, there are significant gaps in education and support for young people after crises. Drawing on their own experiences of these challenges, the PYDI team created a space where participants can feel a sense of comfort and belonging while building the skills needed to navigate uncertain times.

The team shared a highlight from one participant’s journey. “One of the participants went from quietly observing the activities to taking an active leadership role, discovering their voice and building confidence along the way.” They added that even overcoming the fear of speaking in front of others, including virtually, became a meaningful step toward personal growth and stronger mental well-being, which helped them reaffirm why this initiative matters.

Following the micro-grant support from the GHEA21 Network, Khit Thit Youth’s Power also received many applications for Cohort-05. Through the program, participants increasingly recognize that so-called “soft skills” are not secondary but essential.

Together, these initiatives reflect the spirit of Parami students, who are not only learning in the classroom but also applying their knowledge and experience to address real challenges in their communities. With support from initiatives like the GHEA21 micro-grant, Parami students continue to explore creative and meaningful ways to contribute, demonstrating that education can extend beyond the university and serve as a catalyst for community change. 

Parami students, awarded micro-grants for their initiatives, are actively bridging educational gaps in various ways through projects such as Sue San, ACADBridge, White Tales, and Khit Thit Youth’s Power Project. By fostering research, youth leadership, children’s curiosity and reading, and access to education for migrant communities, students step up and take leading roles in creating meaningful and lasting change in their communities.