Due to the recent earthquake in Myanmar, we waited until we could confirm the safety of all of the students referenced here, and for the designated mourning period to conclude before posting this update. Thankfully, none of the girls you are about to read about were lost in the tragedy, but we are keeping them in our thoughts as they navigate the aftermath.
Aye
A young woman from a small village in Myanmar, Aye was born and raised in an area where access to quality education was scarce, and opportunities were limited. Despite these challenges, she held on to her dream to become a nurse. However, the 2021 Myanmar coup shattered her aspirations, leaving her without access to higher education and an uncertain future.
Thanks to the Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls, Aye is now studying nursing. The opportunity has reignited her ambition and given her life a renewed sense of purpose. The scholarship has not only transformed her journey, but also turned what once seemed like an unattainable dream into a reality.
“The scholarship gave me the strength to overcome challenges and the motivation to work toward a brighter future. I am deeply grateful for the generous support from donors like you, which has not only changed my life, but also brought me closer to my goal of becoming a nurse. Thank you for making this journey possible.”
Gawa
As a young girl from a small town in Myanmar, Gawa was forced to leave her home after conflict broke out. Her town was one of the first to experience unrest following the coup of February 2021. As the situation worsened and it became unsafe to stay, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved brother. Her father, who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in protest against the military regime, sacrificed his job, making it even more difficult for their family to survive.
Gawa, who once struggled with English, is now studying Computer Science Engineering after receiving one of the Cynthia Lennon Scholarships for Girls.
‘’I received a scholarship that changed my life. With your support, I was able to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a Computer Science Engineer. What once seemed impossible has now become a reality. Although the journey has been difficult, I am determined to work hard and make the most of this opportunity.’’
Mya
Mya is the eldest daughter in a family of six siblings from Myanmar. With no stable income, her father supports the family by driving a 3-wheeler cycle, struggling to provide for their education. Facing immense challenges, Mya was overwhelmed with sadness and considered giving up further studies to work and support her family.
Receiving a Cynthia Lennon scholarship from The White Feather Foundation felt like a dream come true. It not only relieved her financial burden but also gave her the motivation and confidence to pursue her education. Now she is studying Computer Engineering, and she remains dedicated to her studies. Despite language barriers and technical challenges, she works hard every day to improve herself.
‘’I sincerely thank you for your generous support. Your kindness has changed my life, allowing me to continue my education without financial worries. Your generosity gives me hope, motivation, and the opportunity to achieve my dreams. I will work hard to make the most of this gift.’’
Ferozah
From a small, rural village in Myanmar, Ferozah had always dreamed of studying to be a nurse, but financial constraints within her family meant that this was impossible.
Because of The White Feather Foundation’s Cynthia Lennon Scholarship award, however, she is now studying nursing. She has a vision and determination to help the people and work in community development after she graduates.
‘’Receiving support from an [organization] like you greatly alleviates my financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my studies. Thank you for [choosing] me as one of your scholarship recipients. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and thankful for your kind support. God Bless you all.’’
Rose
A determined and energetic young woman from a small village in Myanmar, Rose has faced immense challenges in her pursuit of education. Her mother, a schoolteacher, joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) after the military coup, sacrificing her job in the fight for justice. This decision, although courageous, left their family without a stable source of income, making it difficult for her children to continue their studies.
Despite these hardships, Rose never gave up on her dreams. She tirelessly sought opportunities to further her education, refusing to let adversity define her future. Thanks to the life-changing support of the Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls, she is now pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, driven by a vision to rebuild her community and contribute to the restoration of her nation.
“I have given my best and will continue striving until the end. My dream is to become a person of value—to my family, my community, and my country. Your support has lifted me from despair to hope, from zero to dreams. I will always remember you in my prayers. May God bless you.”
Top photo: One of the educational institutions where the girls study (courtesy of Health & Hope UK).
Individual photos of each student (courtesy of Health & Hope UK).
Please note all of the girls’ names have been changed for their protection.
If you would like to contribute to the 2025 Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls, start here.
Thank you for the updates on these intelligent and brave young women. Glad to hear they are safe!