Moon is a teacher and storyteller from Karen State. She began her work in Kawkarate District in 2014 and by 2018 became acting principal at a middle school in her hometown. Her classrooms were full of questions, debate and laughter because she refused to treat education as obedience training.
Officials said students must “learn obedience,” but Moon argued that education should spark critical thinking. She said about the system she faced: “Every word must be obeyed, every command followed.” She believed teachers must change first and that teaching should go beyond textbooks to build values and the ability to question.
After the 2021 coup she tied a red ribbon, joined street protests and became a visible leader of the Civil Disobedience Movement in her town. Soldiers circulated her photo and sought her out, so her father, a former soldier, sent her away to protect her. She fled to Lay Kay Kaw, worked in migrant schools across the border and faced exploitation, saying she earned less in a month than many labourers make in a week.
In Mae Sot she joined Exile Hub, a partner of Global Voices in Southeast Asia, and moved into media work. She trained in podcasting, storytelling and documentary narration, produced an episode of Resilient Voices about an LGBTQ+ youth in exile, and co-created a documentary called “Freedom of Religion and Belief.” She continues to teach with storytelling and hopes to return and open a small bookstore café on family land.
Difficult words
- teacher — A person who helps others learn.
- education — The process of learning or teaching.
- creativity — The ability to make new things or ideas.
- exile — Being away from home, often because of danger.
- resilience — The ability to recover from difficulties.
- protest — A public demonstration against something.
- inspire — To encourage someone to do something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can education change lives in difficult situations?
- What qualities make Moon an inspiring leader?
- Why is it important to amplify underrepresented voices?
- What steps can teachers take to foster creativity?
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