Empowering Communities | Philanthropy Connections Foundation

Kane Dyje believes education, research, and policy change are the keys to rebuilding communities affected by conflict. His goal is to establish a research institute in Myanmar that will:

Provide young researchers with the skills and opportunities to identify solutions for poverty and unemployment.
Support data-driven policy changes that address the root causes of economic and social struggles.
Empower youth in conflict-affected communities by bridging education, research, and advocacy.

Through research-based policy reform, Kane hopes to contribute to the long-term recovery and sustainable development of Myanmar. His dream is to help rebuild communities, foster leadership among displaced youth, and advocate for policies that create equal opportunities for future generations.

Name (Nickname): Mahn Kyaw Zin Oo (Kane Dyje)

Age: 24
Hometown: Kyeik Tha Like Village, Kaw Ka Reik Township, Kayin State, Myanmar
Education: Bachelor of Social Science and Sustainable Development

University: Chiang Mai University

Expected Graduation: May 2027

Kane Dyje grew up near the Thai-Myanmar border, where conflict and displacement shaped his early years. Now studying Social Science and Sustainable Development at Chiang Mai University, he aspires to develop research-driven policies that address poverty, unemployment, and social inequities.

Despite facing political upheaval and financial difficulties, Kane has remained committed to youth empowerment and advocacy, volunteering with organisations like Help Without Frontiers and YOUTH CIRCLE.

Kane Dyje grew up in a small village near the Thai-Myanmar border, an area deeply affected by one of the world’s longest-running civil conflicts. Limited access to education, economic instability, and displacement shaped his early years, yet he remained determined to build a better future—not just for himself, but for his entire community.

Despite these challenges, Kane completed high school in 2016 and pursued a distance Bachelor’s degree in Botany while actively volunteering with Help Without Frontiers Thailand and YOUTH CIRCLE. Through his work, he empowered young people, advocated for child rights, and raised awareness on critical social issues like reproductive health and education access.

After the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, political and economic turmoil forced Kane to seek safety and a stable learning environment in Thailand. Now studying Social Science and Sustainable Development at Chiang Mai University, he is focused on developing research-based solutions to address social and economic inequalities in conflict-affected communities.

Despite financial struggles and the ongoing challenges his family faces back home, Kane remains committed to his education, advocacy work, and long-term goal of policy reform in Myanmar.

Would you like to make a direct and life-changing impact by sponsoring Kane Dyje’s education? As a personal sponsor, you can ensure he receives the financial support needed to complete his studies while building a meaningful connection with his journey.

Direct Support: Your contribution covers essential education-related costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, and learning materials—allowing the student to fully focus on studies without financial stress.
Personalised Annual Reports: You will receive a detailed report each year highlighting the student's academic progress, achievements, and personal development, so you can see the meaningful impact of your support.

Crossroads and Classrooms: Kane’s Journey Through Challenge and Growth

Kane continued to progress academically and personally during this period, navigating a full course load, extracurricular leadership, and travel opportunities, all while managing ongoing stress related to finances, family, and regional instability in his home village.

Academically, Kane completed six courses this term, earning one A and five B+ grades, a marked improvement from the previous semester. He also led his team on a study trip to Taiwan as part of the ASEAN Plus Travelling Project. While the trip didn’t meet all his learning expectations due to group dynamics, he valued the opportunity to explore Confucian education and experience Taiwan firsthand.

As president of the Karen Student Association, Kane remained active in coordinating events, field visits, and student engagement. He also managed personal challenges, including delays with legal documentation and the emotional toll of reading news about conflict in Karen State.

He found solace and stability through football, personal reflection, and a relaxing road trip to Chiang Rai with close friends. He continues to seek better balance in managing stress, especially with increasing academic demands.

Despite limited resources, Kane showed determination, borrowing funds to participate in the exchange programme when support was unavailable and maintaining strong academic results throughout. He asked PCF for an update on the exchange programme approval and continues to manage his responsibilities with focus and resilience.